Duckworth to block military promotions to back Vindman
WASHINGTON – Sen. Tammy Duckworth plans to block over 1,100 military promotions until the Pentagon promises not to interfere in the promotion of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a key witness in the impeachment of President Donald Trump earlier this year.
The Illinois Democrat, an Iraq War veteran who lost both her legs after her helicopter was shot down in 2004, said she would block the Senate confirmation of 1,123 members of the armed forces unless Defense Secretary Mark Esper “confirms in writing that he did not, or will not block” Vindman’s “expected and deserved” promotion to colonel.
Some military officials and lawmakers feared the Trump administration would interfere with the promotion of Vindman, an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, because of his impeachment inquiry testimony, The Washington Post and The New York Times reported last month.
The Senate would normally pass the list of promotions with an unrecorded or unanimous vote, but Duckworth’s objection to the promotions would halt the process and would force Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to file a motion to overcome her objection.
“It is simply unprecedented and wrong for any Commander in Chief to meddle in routine military matters at all, whether or not he has a personal vendetta against a Soldier who did his patriotic duty and told the truth – a Soldier who has been recommended for promotion by his superiors because of his performance,” Duckworth said in a statement.
She said she would lift the hold on the promotions when Esper gave written confirmation that Vindman’s promotion will not be blocked by the Trump administration.