Happier holidays for a whole lot of military families!
Senate confirms by voice vote hundreds of military nominees blocked by Tommy Tuberville over his demand that the Pentagon scrap its abortion policies. After Tuberville relented, Schumer says: “Today, hundreds of military families across the country can breathe a sigh of relief.”
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) December 5, 2023
Senate confirmed by unanimous consent over 400 senior military promotions, previously blocked by Sen. Tuberville (R-AL) over DoD's abortion policy. Schumer from Senate floor: "While today's confirmations are good news, these holds should never have happened in the first place." pic.twitter.com/Am4K1w3iCn
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) December 5, 2023
Far as I can tell, ‘Coach Tubbs’ just doesn’t like having women in *his* military (and I doubt he’s got much use for military POCs, either, especially at a level where they’re giving orders to white enlisteds). The anti-abortion blat gave him an excuse for bollixing up military readiness, making trouble for a Democratic administration, and most important of all: Media attention for Tommy Tuberville!
Per the Associated Press:
The Senate in a single stroke Tuesday approved about 425 military promotions after Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama ended a monthlong blockade of nominations over his opposition to a Pentagon abortion policy.
Tuberville had been under pressure from members of both sides of the political aisle to end his holds as senators complained about the toll it was taking on service members and their families, and on military readiness.
“Thank God, these military officers will now get the promotion they so rightfully earned,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
The action came hours after Tuberville said Tuesday he’s “not going to hold the promotions of these people any longer.” He said holds would continue, however, for about 11 of the highest-ranking military officers, those who would be promoted to what he described as the four-star level or above.
There were 451 military officers affected by the holds as of Nov. 27. It’s a stance that has left key national security positions unfilled and military families with an uncertain path forward.
Tuberville was blocking the nominations in opposition to Pentagon rules that allow travel reimbursement when a service member has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. President Joe Biden’s administration instituted the new rules after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion, and some states have limited or banned the procedure…
Tuesday Evening Open Thread: Tuberville Backs Down (Mostly)Post + Comments (107)