CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION DEMANDING TOMMY TUBERVILLE STOP THREATENING US AND ISRAELI SECURITY, LIFT MONTHS-LONG NOMINATION HOLDS

Congressman Pat Ryan Introduces Legislation Demanding Tommy Tuberville Stop Threatening US and Israeli Security, Lift Months-Long Nomination Holds

Ryan, a combat veteran and former Army Intelligence Officer, warns that lack of key commanders, including Chief of Naval Operations and 5th Fleet Commander, is “catastrophic” for military readiness in the midst of war in Israel

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan introduced legislation formally demanding Senator Tommy Tuberville drop his nomination hold and allow the Senate to confirm key commanders and military officers leading the US effort to support Israel. 

“Our most critical ally is fighting an existential war for their nation’s survival. Yet MAGA extremists, led by Tommy Tuberville, are more concerned with waging a culture war, endangering both our Israeli allies and our own troops,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The people of Israel are depending on us. China, Iran, and Russia are watching for signs of weakness. We must stand together as patriots and show the forces of evil around the world that there is no greater friend and no worse foe than the United States of America.”

On Sunday, President Biden directed the 5th Fleet’s USS Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean near Israel, while the Pentagon has also taken steps to augment U.S. Air Force F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region Yet, due to the months-long hold on military confirmations there is currently no Senate confirmed commander of the 5th Fleet. Among the over 300 confirmations currently in limbo are several critical command positions directly involved in supporting our Israeli allies, including two nominees for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Commander of 5th Fleet, in addition to the Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command, among others, who will be unnecessarily challenged to bolster our nation’s support of our ally. These are crucial positions needed to ensure that the state of Israel has the support it needs, stranded American citizens receive the help they require, and the United States is able to help deter the possibility of a catastrophic escalation of this war to other fronts by Hezbollah, Iran, or others. This is a moment where the US must stand strongly and unequivocally with the State of Israel, ensuring we have a lethal and ready force in an existential fight.

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