Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth puts hold on 1,100 military promotions

Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth has put a blanket hold on 1,100 military promotions until Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper assures her in writing that impeachment witness Lt. Col. Alex Vindman will not be punished for his testimony.

Vindman, who had been staffed to the National Security Council as an expert on Ukraine, testified against president Trump during the House Intelligence Committee’s impeachment hearings in November. Vindman was fired from his NSC job, and there have been reports that Trump is pressuring the Pentagon to block his promotion to colonel.

Duckworth told reporters that her hold, which applies to 1,123 scheduled promotions to the rank of “06” (colonel or Navy captain) or above, could actually make things easier for the Defense Department.

The hold does not apply to the nomination of Gen. Gustave Perna to be the chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed, the federal government’s effort to produce a coronavirus vaccine by early next year.

Duckworth said it is unprecedented for a commander in chief to take interest in a single promotion at the 06 level and that Vindman earned the promotion if his name was on the list.

The Army declined to comment for this story, citing a policy of not discussing promotions until they are finalized.

Comments

United Nations' Blueprint to End Poverty: Achieving Sustainable Development Goal #1

Sustainable Development Goal #1 End Poverty Did you know we have just six years left to achieve the sustainable development goals? In 2015, 193 United Nations member states committed to addressing 17 goals for a sustainable future, with the top priority being the eradication of poverty. Since then, what progress have these countries made in combating poverty? While ending poverty sounds promising, is it truly feasible? Let’s explore this further. Recent statistics show that around 9.2% of the global population, or approximately 700 million people, live in extreme poverty, defined as surviving on less than $1.90 per day. Additionally, about 26% of the global population, or roughly 1.3 billion people, live in moderate poverty, which is defined as living on $1.90 to $3.20 per day. Significant strides have been made in reducing poverty and income inequality over the past few decades, with the percentage of people living in extreme poverty decreasing from about 36% in 1990 to 9.2% in...

What are the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals?

United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development is a term you might have encountered frequently, but do you really know what it means? If not, let me explain briefly. Sustainable development refers to economic growth that doesn't depletes natural resources or jeopardize future generations. Essentially, it ensures that today's decisions don't negatively impact tomorrow's people. This concept encompasses four main areas: human, social, economic, and environmental. Next Question! Have you heard of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda? It's a global plan that outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieved by 2030 for a sustainable future. This framework was adopted by 193 UN member states in 2015. The 17 goals aim to bolster local economies, protect the environment, and ensure the well-being of our planet for future generations. Examples include promoting renewable energy, making housing more affordable and accessible, recy...

Two Cousins Open First Black-Owned Beauty Supply Store in Jefferson City, MO

Kumba Brewer and Candy Wright, both Liberians, migrated to Jefferson City, Missouri as teenagers. The cousins, who are now in their late twenties and early thirties, have established themselves as important citizens of Jefferson City. Two young Liberian natives, Kumba Brewer and Candy Wright moved to Jefferson City, MO as teenagers, few years ago. The cousins who are now in their late 20’s and early 30’s, have become prominent members of Jefferson City. It was July of 2021 when the young cousins stood in their store anticipating their first customer to walk in. After many weeks of ordering, doing inventory and stocking, they were able to cut the ribbon at Essence Beauty Supply Store, located at 431 E McCarthy Street. The grand opening is defying statistics because ethnic beauty supply stores like theirs are not typically Black-owned, but profits are driven primarily from the Black community. The owners say there’s a need for more Black-owned establishments, and ...

Berenice Mulubah

Search This Blog