The U.S. Senate recently passed a bill with unanimous support, aimed at providing retroactive pay raises to service members affected by Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s previous block on military promotions. This move, initiated by the Alabama Republican, had been in place for several months but was lifted recently.
The bill, a collaborative bipartisan effort led by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and Angus King (I-Maine), who aligns with the Democrats, saw unanimous agreement among all 100 senators, eliminating the need for a formal roll call vote, as NBC News reported.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) expressed his satisfaction on the Senate floor, emphasizing the importance of providing justice to these military families through back pay. Schumer highlighted that this act fulfills America’s promise to service members, acknowledging their service and ensuring they are not unfairly penalized.
The hold, initiated by Tuberville, had affected over 400 military promotions for a period of ten months. This action was a protest against a Defense Department policy related to abortion, including provisions for paid leave and travel expenses for service members seeking abortions. Tuberville lifted his hold on December 5, leading to the Senate’s swift confirmation of 425 military nominees. However, the hold remains for about 11 high-ranking officers.
Tuberville’s main contention with the DOD policy centered on the reimbursement for travel related to abortion services, which he views as a form of taxpayer-funded abortion, according to ABC News. Despite his opposition, the existing policy remains unaltered.
The bill, which Tuberville co-sponsored, underlines the importance of compensating military families financially impacted by the delay in promotions. The bipartisan backing of the bill reflects a recognition of the need to address the financial hardships caused by the hold.
Despite Tuberville’s stance, his actions faced criticism from both sides of the aisle, including notable Republican figures such as Senators Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), Lindsey Graham (South Carolina), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (Texas).
The bill, having gained approval in the Senate, now moves to the House of Representatives. However, with the House not scheduled to reconvene for voting until the next month, the resolution for the affected service members and their families faces a delay.
