The US Marines were left without a commanding officer appointed due to a political dispute on Monday, the first time this has happened in more than 100 years.
General David Berger is resigning as commander after 4 years of service. His deputy, General Eric Smith, who was nominated by Joe Biden as his successor, can only lead the US Armed Forces as acting commander without Senate approval.
Senate approval is blocked by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Republican of Alabama, who previously said
will block all military appointments that require Senate approval in protest of abortion subsidies at the Defense Department.
Because of this, the new leader, as the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, cannot take office or issue leadership guidance. At the same time, you can make training, budget and other personnel decisions.
The Pentagon supports women who need abortions
Based on the decision of Minister Lloyd Austin,
The Pentagon is providing travel assistance to Alabama servicewomen for out-of-state abortions after Alabama's law prohibits abortion.
Secretary Lloyd Austin and outgoing David Berger called on the Senate to act on the approvals at a public event Monday in Washington.
The mandate of the commander of the navy, army and air force also expires
The naval command is the first high-ranking military post to be affected by the political blockade of Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is being pressured by many within his party to abandon this form of protest.
In the near future, the duties of the commander of the US Navy, Army, and Air Force will be terminated, and the US Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Milley, will also retire at the end of September.
Successors appointed to the positions may not occupy the position without a unanimous decision of the Senate.
In June, Ohio Republican Senator JD Vance announced a similar political blockade of the president's nominees for Justice Department positions in protest of the federal indictment of Donald Trump in June.
MTI
Photo: Pixabay
