Marines without Senate-confirmed leader for first time since 1859 after GOP senator blocks...

For the first time in more than 150 years, the Marine Corps is operating without a Senate-confirmed commandant.

The position was vacated Monday when Gen. David H. Berger, who assumed the top role in July 2019, stepped down from the post, which is limited to four years.

The Senate's attempt to vote on a nominee to succeed him was blocked Monday by GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, whose monthslong opposition to the Defense Department's abortion travel policy has held up dozens of military nominations.

The delay marks the first time the Marine Corps will have been without a Senate-confirmed commandant in 164 years.

For now, Gen. Eric Smith will take over as acting commandant.

At a ceremony Monday for Berger — the Marine Corps' 38th commandant — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged the Senate to act.