History Made: Senate Unanimously Appoints CQ Brown as Chairman of Joint Chiefs, Breaking Tuberville's Hold

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Gen. C.Q. Brown as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, after a delay of over 300 military promotions by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed separate votes for the positions of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps commandant, and Army chief of staff, instead of grouping them with Tuberville's bloc of holds.

The Senate will vote on Thursday to confirm the new Army chief of staff and the new Marine Corps commandant. Schumer strongly criticized the tactics of the Alabama Republicans in a passionate speech on the Senate floor yesterday. Tuberville had made a threat to file a motion on the Senate floor, which is typically only allowed for the Senate majority leader.

The votes to ultimately approve a few nominations this week are a result of the Alabama senator's stubbornness over several months. Despite members of his own party being unable to persuade Tuberville to change his stance, he remains opposed to a Defense Department policy that covers travel expenses for service members who need to travel out-of-state for abortion services.

General Charles Brown Jr., the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is seen preparing to testify during his confirmation hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 11, 2023.

Who is C.Q. Brown, the upcoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?

Schumer mentioned during his floor remarks on Wednesday that the Senate would directly address "his obstruction." However, due to Tuberville's prolonged hold on the promotions and the continued absence of crucial military personnel, Schumer was compelled to alter his approach and insist on voting for them.

Tuberville has consistently declined to remove his holds, advocating instead for Schumer to arrange separate votes for each nominee. Up until Wednesday, Schumer had been reluctant, asserting that all nominees should be evaluated and approved "in a bipartisan manner."

"It is not the chosen course of action for the majority of senators from both sides, but Sen. Tuberville is compelling us to directly address his obstructive actions," stated Schumer.

Schumer cautioned against yielding to Tuberville's vote demands, citing potential precedent for senators to exploit widely backed nominees as a bargaining chip for their own agenda.

"The Senate operates on unanimous consent, relying on mutual cooperation to ensure effective functioning of this institution," Schumer emphasized. "This is how we achieve progress. If every objection becomes a means to secure personal priorities, it will impede the efficiency of this body."

Senate Democrats declined to comment on whether it was a mistake for Schumer to not require a group vote on the promotions. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine expressed his belief that there are still additional steps to be taken, but they are finally breaking the unjust blockade. He also believes that the holds will eventually be overturned, even though more individual votes are still expected.

"We will continue to make progress and maintain pressure. The VFW has already called on the GOP to cease their actions. VoteVets has also criticized them. We can expect more of that in the future, and we will complete all the necessary tasks," he stated.

But Senator Roger Wicker from Mississippi, the leading Republican member on the Armed Services Committee, expressed his support for voting on the nominees, even if they are not considered as a unified bloc. When asked, he stated, "Without a doubt, it is a positive step."

However, Tuberville cautioned that he will persist with his blockade. "To clarify, my hold remains in effect. It will stay in effect until the Pentagon's unlawful abortion policy is revoked. If the Pentagon reverses the policy, then I will remove my hold. It's as simple as that," he affirmed.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.