Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville [R-Ala] is blocking the promotion of a top aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Senator Tuberville has blocked the promotion of Lt. Gen. Ronald P. Clark because of his role in failing to announce Austin’s absence during a health emergency back in January. Tuberville aide Malory Jaspers says the senator has concerns about Clark’s actions during Secretary Austin’s hospitalization. -quote”. Lt. Gen. Clark knew that Sec. Austin was incapacitated and did not tell the Commander in Chief,” Jaspers says as a senior commissioned officer Clark’s oath requires him to notify the president  when the chain of command is compromised.