As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza mounts, a growing group of Democrats pushes Biden to apply human rights laws to Israel security assistance. The senior officials were the last remaining individuals involved in the protest by a Republican senator over the Pentagon's abortion access policy. Coker’s confirmation fills a 10-month vacancy that was left after the inaugural national director, Chris Inglis, stepped down in February. Service officials said one of their biggest obstacles is explaining the basics of military service to teenagers who rarely interact with veterans. A pair of Republican senators are still blocking the senior leaders from stepping in to their new roles. More than 400 senior officers received promotions after waiting months for Senate action. The move is a signifcant breakthrough in the 10-month standoff between the GOP lawmaker and Pentagon leaders over abortion. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Dec. 4, 2023. The plan still needs support from Republican senators before the military leadership posts can be filled. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Nov. 13, 2023. Load More