Republican senator Tommy Tuberville (Ala.) will not end his months-long blockade on military promotions even as war breaks out in Israel.
A spokesperson for Tuberville told Politico on Sunday that Tuberville’s position on the blockade remains unchanged until the Pentagon altered its abortion policy.
Last year, the Pentagon adjusted its policies to allow service members to get reimbursed for traveling out of state for abortion services.
“The Pentagon clearly thinks forcing taxpayers to facilitate abortion is more important than confirming their top nominees without a vote. They could end this situation TODAY by dropping their illegal and immoral policy and get everyone confirmed rapidly, but they refuse,” Tuberville spokesperson Steve Stafford said in a statement to NBC News. “If the Biden administration wants their nominees confirmed then Senate Democrats can do what Coach just did in September and file a cloture petition to force a vote.”
Tuberville actions have help up the promotions of more that 300 military officers including several who would lead US troops in the Middle East. This is particularly concerning following Saturday’s attack on Israel by Hamas fighters that left hundreds dead.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared war.
The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Jack Reed (D-R.I.) said on Sunday that the emerging war highlighted Tuberville’s “foolishness”.
“The severity of the crisis in Israel underscores the foolishness of Senator Tuberville’s blockade,” Reed said. “The United States needs seamless military leadership in place to handle dangerous situations like this and Senator Tuberville is denying it.”
