Sen. Tuberville blocking military nominees turns them into 'political pawns': former Defense secretaries

WASHINGTON − A group of former Pentagon officials urged Senate leadership Thursday to take action on the nearly 200 military nominees who are waiting to be confirmed, warning the holds harm military readiness and risk damaging U.S. national security.

The letter, addressed to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., follows Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama blocking promotions in protest of the Pentagon's abortion policy. The policy provides leave and covers expenses of service members who travel for abortions.

Seven former Defense secretaries said in the letter the hold on nominations prevents key leaders from senior command and staff positions worldwide. The former secretaries include William Perry, William Cohen, Robert Gates, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel, James Mattis and Mark Esper.

"We believe placing a hold on all uniformed nominees risks turning military officers into political pawns, holding them responsible for a policy decision made by their civilian leaders," they wrote, suggesting senators should introduce legislation or conduct oversight hearings if they are concerned with Department of Defense policy.

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Lloyd Austin: Promotions are 'critical'

Tuberville blocked 184 military promotions in protest against the Pentagon's new abortion policy, objecting that it is a violation of federal law. His decision to block promotions prevents pay raises and military leaders from taking their posts.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the promotions are “absolutely critical.”

“There are a number of things happening globally that indicate that we could be in a contest on any one given day,” Austin said. “Not approving the recommendations for promotions actually creates a ripple effect through the force that makes us far less ready than we need to be.”

More: Lloyd Austin warns Senate of 'ripple effect' from blocking nominees over abortion policy

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Pentagon officials call for end to Tuberville blocking nominees