Tuberville holding military promotions up because of illegal DOD abortion policies

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has put a hold on military officer nominations because of his objection to the Department of Defense policy to allow women three weeks leave and pay for their travel to get abortions if they are stationed in a state that prohibits it.

The DOD adopted the policy after Roe v. Wade was overturned last year on the reasoning that the women were forced because of their military service to live in a state that restricted abortions. Tuberville argues that the DOD funding violates rules against taxpayer funding of abortions.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said during testimony on Tuesday that Tuberville's hold is interfering with military readiness because over 200 "critical" nominations are being held up.

But Tuberville won't back down, saying that he warned the Pentagon what he planned to do if they went forward with the funding policy.

“I will stay here until hell freezes over. I am not going to be intimidated by a campaign of selective outrage,” he said. “I gave the Pentagon fair warning. They chose to go forward with this policy.”

He added, "Secretary Austin seems to think he can make or change the law without going through Congress. It would be irresponsible for the United States Senate to allow an administration to walk all over the legislative branch. Secretary Austin cannot change the law by memo. Congress cannot be replaced by a post on the Department of Defense website."