Overview

• 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.