US Senate Approves Military Appointments After Months of Delay

On Thursday, the US Senate ratified three key military appointments in three separate voting sessions. This move comes as the Democratic majority attempts to approve hundreds of appointments at the Department of Defense (Pentagon), which have been stalled for months by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville.

One notable approval was that of Lisa Franchetti, who is set to become the first woman to lead the US Navy, with a significant approval of 95 votes against one. This decision also makes her a member of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a precedent as no woman has ever held membership in the highest military institution in the United States.

President Joe Biden had selected Franchetti to lead the Navy back in July, and she has been serving as the acting Chief of Naval Operations since August. Her appointment had been delayed due to Senator Tommy Tuberville's protest against the Pentagon's policy concerning military abortions.