For the first time in over 150 years, the US Marine Corps is operating without a Senate-confirmed commander.
The post was vacated on Monday when Gen. David H. Berger, who assumed the lead role in July 2019, resigned from his four-year-limited post.
The Senate’s attempt to vote on a candidate to succeed Berger was blocked on Monday by GOP Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, whose months-long opposition to the Pentagon’s policy on abortion-related travel has delayed dozens of military appointments.
The delay in confirming Berger’s successor marks the first time the Marine Corps will be without a Senate-confirmed commander in 164 years.
For now, General Eric Smith will take over as acting commander.
At a ceremony Monday for Berger — the 38th commandant of the Marine Corps — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged the Senate to act.
“You know, it’s been over a century since the U.S. Marine Corps has operated without a Senate-verified commander,” Austin said.
“Our military families give so much to support those they serve, so they shouldn’t be burdened with additional uncertainty. We have a sacred duty to do good for those who volunteer to wear the fabric of our nation,” he added. “I am also confident that the United States Senate will assume its responsibilities.
Berger also called on the Senate to act.
“We need the Senate to do its job so that we can have a serving commander appointed and confirmed,” he said.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, DR.I., called for a vote Monday on Smith’s nomination.
“We’re in a situation where sheer stubbornness inhibits our soldiers,” Reed told the Senate, accusing those delaying Smith’s confirmation of turning military officers into “political pawns.”
Tuberville, who for months has used a procedural tactic to slow down promotions that are usually approved by unanimous consent, objected to Reed’s decision, citing the Defense Department’s abortion policy.
“This is the 11th time I’ve stood here and continued to insist that we need to do something about this new policy that the Secretary of Defense passed on and passed on to the military,” Tuberville said. , while arguing that the delay of Smith’s confirmation “has minimal effect on the ability to lead”.
A Pentagon spokeswoman, Sabrina Singh, told reporters on Monday that 265 nominations for generals and flag officers have been submitted and are currently affected by Tuberville’s grip.
Tuberville’s tactics drew criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans. When reached for comment on Monday, a Tuberville spokesperson referenced the senator’s remarks.
The Pentagon has defended its abortion-related travel policy, saying it provides service members and their dependents with the ability to obtain reproductive care that may no longer be available to them as states overturn abortion protections following last year’s overturning of Roe v. Wade at The Supreme Court.
This article originally appeared on NBCNews.com