Sen. Tuberville Continues Blockade of Hundreds of Military Nominees Over Pentagon's Abortion Policy, Despite Growing Opposition

Tuberville's nine-month hold on over 400 military promotions in ongoing protest against Pentagon abortion policy leaves branches leaderless and creates tension within the Republican party as the Senate considers rules change to bypass blockade.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville has been maintaining a blockade on over 400 military nominations for nine months. The senator is protesting a Pentagon policy, instituted by the Biden administration, that compensates service members for out-of-state travel to receive abortions. His hold has effectively halted military promotions nationwide.
Sen. Tuberville has said he will not lift his hold until the Pentagon allows him to negotiate a change to the abortion travel policy. His objections have not only delayed the confirmation of military personnel but have also created tension within the Republican party.
Senate Republicans have held a special conference to explore possible resolutions to Tuberville's blockade. Some suggested options include allow a handful of nominees to be confirmed expeditiously, take his concerns to court, or await the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act to see if the issue could be resolved legislatively.
Despite these discussions, Tuberville has not yet indicated if he will consider any of the alternatives presented. Meanwhile, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer could bring nominees up for one-on-one consideration, but he has resisted politicizing military promotions.
The Senate Rules committee is considering a resolution to temporarily bypass Tuberville's hold. It remains uncertain if the resolution will receive enough Republican support, but frustration is growing on both sides of the aisle.