US Senate Abortion Row Leaves Marines Leadership in Limbo, Leaving Major Branch of US Military Without Confirmed Leader for First Time in Over a Century

The US Marine Corps is currently without a confirmed commandant for the first time in over 150 years due to a Republican senator's protest against a Pentagon policy on abortion. Senator Tommy Tuberville has been blocking over 200 military appointments since February, causing a delay in the nomination process. The Pentagon warns that if the blockade continues, the number of delayed nominations could rise to over 650 by the end of the year. Senator Tuberville objects to a policy that provides travel allowances and time off for military personnel seeking abortions, describing it as "illegal taxpayer-funded abortions." The acting commandant of the Marine Corps, General Eric Smith, has not been approved due to the blockade, resulting in a dual-hatted position and impacting the Marine Corps' operations and decision-making. Senator Tuberville's actions have drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.