OnPolitics: Why is Sen. Tuberville holding up military appointments?

So far, he has held up the confirmation of more than 200 military officials.

Advertisement Read in browser Read in browser On Politics Tue May 23 2023 Hey there, OnPolitics readers. A fight over abortion policy has brought a Senate confirmation process, usually just a formality, to a standstill. Pentagon leaders are concerned that Sen. Tommy Tuberville's latest fight over abortion could be a threat to national security. What's happening: The Pentagon warned that the Alabama Republican is endangering the country by blocking generals and admirals from taking their command because of a dispute over abortion policy, reporter Tom Vanden Brook writes. Tuberville has put a hold on the confirmation of a growing list of over 200 military officials – the seventh time since February. But why?: Tuberville opposes the Pentagon's abortion policy, which allows for time off and travel expenses for reproductive health care – including abortion – for troops and their dependents in states where it's not available. The policy was enacted following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion. Tuberville calls the policy illegal, saying he'll release his hold on the nominations when it's rescinded. Why it matters: By the end of the year the backlog of officials stuck awaiting confirmation could include more than 650 individuals, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, including the chairman of the Joints Chief of State. Keep reading: This senator is holding up military appointments because of abortion policy. What could happen next. 📨 Stay in the know on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter Ocean floors are the new frontier for warfare. What US plans to do. The U.S. Navy wants to spend $5.1 billion on a high-tech, tricked out spy submarine as seabed warfare ramps up and U.S., China and Russia battle for dominance. READ MORE Advertisement 'That's her alright!': Did DeSantis knowingly appoint a Jan. 6 rioter? A USA TODAY review of videos and an interview with a close associate show Sandra Atkinson was inside the Capitol. Did Gov. Ron DeSantis know? READ MORE Biden has 'productive' meeting with McCarthy, but no deal reached on debt ceiling House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he and President Joe Biden had a "productive discussion" Monday on the debt ceiling but still lack an agreement. READ MORE E. Jean Carroll seeks more damages from Donald Trump: What we know A jury assessed Trump $5 million in damages for sexual abuse of Carroll; Trump continued to attack her. READ MORE Michigan governor signs 'red flag' law three months after MSU shooting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation allowing courts to temporarily take away guns from those a judge deems pose a risk to themselves or others. READ MORE Sign up for the news you want Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don't miss out! We're always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔ SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔ Advertisement Newsletters   |    eNewspaper   |   Crosswords Follow Us Problem viewing email? View in browser Unsubscribe  •   Manage Newsletters  •  Terms of Service  •   Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights  •  Privacy Notice  •   Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy  •  Feedback