Senate confirms new U.S. Navy, Air Force leaders

The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted 95-1 in favor of appointing Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. David Allvin as the top commanders of the Navy and Air Force, respectively. The vote comes as Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., maintains a block on the Senate’s ability to approve military promotions in bulk. Tuberville voted for both Franchetti and Allvin’s appointments in Thursday’s votes. He did oppose 61 individual military promotions the night before, drawing criticism from some of his fellow Republicans.

Why is Tuberville blocking bulk promotions? Tuberville has said he will prevent the Senate from approving bulk military promotions as long as the Pentagon maintains a policy of paying for female service members’ travel across state lines for abortions. He argues that the policy violates the Hyde Amendment, which prevents the federal government from funding abortions except when the life of a mother is at risk.

Dig deeper: Read Rebeccah L. Heinrich’s column in WORLD Opinions about how those opposing Tuberville’s hold are putting military readiness above protecting lives.