Senate Democrats are pursuing a new approach to address Senator Tommy Tuberville’s opposition to senior military promotions. Pressure is mounting among fellow Republicans and Defense Department officials to end Tuberville’s months-long hold in protest of the Pentagon’s abortion access policies. Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader, announced on Wednesday that he would attempt to modify the Senate’s rules to allow the confirmation of most military nominees as a group. A vote on this matter could take place next week. This move aims to restore the previous standard practice in the Senate that was disrupted by Tuberville in February. Tuberville had blocked a package of officer promotions due to a Pentagon policy that provides time off and travel reimbursement to service members seeking abortions or fertility care. The support for Schumer’s maneuver remains uncertain, but frustration among Republicans and Defense Department officials towards Tuberville’s blockade continues to grow. The recent collapse of Gen. Eric M. Smith, the newly confirmed Marine Corps commandant, due to an apparent heart attack has further fueled anger within the Pentagon. Some lawmakers and military officials suggest that Tuberville’s tactics, which have delayed the confirmation of Smith’s deputy, contributed to the commandant’s health incident. In response to these developments, Tuberville stated that he would not object to confirming Lt. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney as the next assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, given Smith’s illness. However, this does not resolve the broader issue of Tuberville’s hold on senior military positions. Several Republicans expressed their disapproval of Tuberville’s tactics, warning that it is damaging the military’s operations and readiness. Republicans, Democrats, and Pentagon officials have engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations to resolve the situation without success. Consequently, Schumer’s attempt to change Senate rules might prompt Republicans to join Democrats in overriding Tuberville’s protest. The proposed rule change, spearheaded by Senators Jack Reed and Kyrsten Sinema, would enable the confirmation of all candidates as generals and admirals, excluding Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commanders, to be confirmed together. However, this change requires 60 votes to pass, and some Republicans strongly oppose it. The outcome will depend on whether Democrats can convince nine Republicans to support the procedural maneuver against Tuberville.