The U.S. Senate has recently approved approximately 425 military promotions, following the end of a blockade by Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. Tuberville had been opposing a Pentagon abortion policy, which led to the blockade. However, under pressure from both sides of the political aisle, he decided to end his holds due to the negative impact on service members, their families, and military readiness.
In related news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was invited to speak to senators at a classified briefing. However, the president canceled his appearance, leading to several Republican senators walking out of the briefing. The senators were reportedly upset that their demand to couple Ukraine aid with action on the U.S.-Mexico border immigration crisis was not addressed.
The Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, has scheduled a test vote on a national security supplemental package, which includes funding for Ukraine. However, the discussion during the briefing became heated, with senators shouting questions at senior Biden administration officials. Schumer accused Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of attempting to hijack the meeting.
The Biden administration has warned that without the military and economic assistance, Ukraine's war effort may come to a halt. The administration has slowed the pace of military assistance to Ukraine to stretch supplies until Congress approves more funding. Negotiations over the border security package broke down over the weekend, and talks are expected to resume this week.