Nomination of Colonel Thomas M. Siverts

Floor Speech

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Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, I release my hold on the promotion of Col. Thomas M. Siverts, PN793-2, on the Executive Calendar.

In March 2026, I raised concerns about Colonel Siverts' appearance on an episode of a podcast known as The Berm Pit, which is anti-Semitic and racist.

I requested the Marine Corps to provide me with a copy of this podcast episode, so I could review the nature of his participation in this podcast. I have since been able to review the podcast episode, and I did not have any concerns with the exchange on the podcast.

Further, Colonel Siverts wrote a letter to me unequivocally condemning anti-Semitism and racism, noting that at the time of his appearance on the podcast, the podcast had no association with the hateful ideologies expressed by others on different episodes of the podcast months later.

Colonel Siverts made clear that the ideologies of anti-Semitism and racism are antithetical not only to the values of the Marine Corps, but to who he is too.

My concerns have been addressed, and I support the Senate confirming Colonel Siverts' promotion to brigadier general.

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