Senate Democrats are pushing for Republicans to put their normal partisan obstinance aside to speed through the nomination of Jack Lew to be ambassador to Israel, an administration selection that had been submitted in early September, Politico reports.
Besides the appointment of the ambassador, a number of Democrats are pointing to the delays in approving the promotions of military officers caused by Alabama Republican Senator and challenger for stupidest person in Congress Tommy Tuberville, who has blocked nominations of hundreds of military flag and executive officers because he disagrees with a Pentagon policy providing access to reproductive health care to those in uniform.
Hawaii Democratic Senator Brian Schatz, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, said the committee should immediately approve Lew and “we should do this instantaneously and we also need to confirm a chief of Naval Operations,” adding “This is serious business. If he wants to change healthcare policy at DOD, he can introduce a bill. But he cannot undermine our ability to help our allies and partners.”