The Senate confirmed two military nominations: General Randy George, Army chief of staff; and General Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps. Their confirmation votes happened despite Senator Tommy Tuberville's (R-AL) months-long blockade of Pentagon promotions because he disapproves of the Defense Department's policy of reimbursing service members who travel for an abortion. Typically, the Senate confirms by unanimous consent merit-based military promotions, but any senator may object, thus forcing a floor vote. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) worked around Senator Tuberville's block by bringing up individual nominations. Hundreds more military nominations remained. Lawmakers also continued work on the fiscal year 2024 spending package for the Departments of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.

10:59AM - 4:43PM ETSenate Session