The DOD implemented a policy on Feb. 16 that pays for travel and time off for servicewomen seeking abortions. A memo was first issued on Oct. 20 announcing the policy. According to Senator Tuberville (R-Al), aside from moral objections, the Pentagon’s move expanded departmental authority illegally. As a result, he blocked all promotions and nominations for DOD officers.
While Tuberville’s action didn’t completely block nominations and promotions, it did slow down the process, resulting in hundreds of nominations being backed up. In response to Tuberville’s criticism, the Pentagon has complained that the move threatens military readiness.
Biden’s Response
In Los Gatos, California, President Biden remarked about the senator,
It’s bizarre. I don’t remember it happening before [1].
Tuberville’s Response To President
Tuberville believes he stands on firm ground representing many Americans. While concerned about military readiness, he commented,
If my colleague cared about military readiness, maybe we’d go after more of the ridiculous policies that have led to our lowest, our lowest recruitment numbers in decades
[2].
Nonetheless, he is standing on his holds, saying what so many Americans are thinking in the present days regarding unequal justice,
My hold does send a message that the secretary is not — and I repeat, not — above the law. And he cannot ignore lawmakers who are demanding his organization abide by law [3]
.
He is tired of those who hold our military hostage by forcing different agendas on them. He stands for many Americans who want a military focused on national defense. The Senate needs to vote on five joint chiefs nominees. There are also more than 220 flag and general officer promotions that are held up.
This Alabama senator has since been joined in support by  Republican senators, including Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Thune (R-SD), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Joni Ernst (R-IA). He has also been joined in support by House Republicans, including Reps. Barry Moore (R-AL), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Chip Roy (R-TX).
Time will tell how this will end.
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Notes:
- ^ {{Biden slams Tommy Tuberville for Pentagon holdup: ‘It’s bizarre’}} (go back ↩)
- ^ {{Biden slams Tommy Tuberville for Pentagon holdup: ‘It’s bizarre’}} (go back ↩)
- ^ {{Biden slams Tommy Tuberville for Pentagon holdup: ‘It’s bizarre’}} (go back ↩)
