Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., questions Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on her nomination for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Chief of Naval Operations, Sept. 14, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Senate Democrats advanced a resolution Tuesday to expedite the confirmation of nearly 400 military nominees as a way to overcome Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) hold on these appointments.

The U.S. Senate Rules Committee approved the resolution in a 9-7 vote, allowing the Senate to confirm groups of military nominees collectively for the remainder of the congressional term. This move seeks to bypass the disruption caused by a single senator’s objection. The resolution will now face a Senate floor vote, where Democrats need at least nine Republican votes for passage.

While some Republicans argue that the resolution may undermine minority powers in the Senate, some have suggested potential support if Tuberville does not lift his holds. Joining in the bipartisan criticism, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) criticized Tuberville’s approach, emphasizing the impact on career military officers.

Tuberville’s stance has left critical national security positions vacant and created uncertainty for military families, and the national security sector widely agrees that critical positions are being left vacant.

The Alabama senator’s opposition stems from his disapproval of Pentagon rules allowing reimbursement for travel related to out-of-state abortions or reproductive care. The standoff has drawn warnings about its impact on readiness and national security from senior military officials and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.