[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 68 (Friday, April 17, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NOMINATION OF COLONEL THOMAS M. SIVERTS

  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 was first told the podcast was not accessible, but the 
Marine Corps provided me with a copy of the episode after I objected to 
the promotion of Colonel Siverts. 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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