There is an assertion in Washington, D.C. – recently repeated by President Joe Biden – that U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is holding up Department of Defense nominations because of his pro-life stance. On the contrary, it is the Biden administration itself that is holding military promotions hostage. For those unfamiliar with how we got to this point, here’s the whole story.
In 1984, 10 U.S. Code 1093 was passed with bi-partisan support to prevent using Department of Defense funds to perform abortions. On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the Dobbs case, thus reversing Roe v. Wade. The Biden administration began defying the Dobbs decision shortly thereafter.
In October 2022, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin tried to circumvent the 1984 law on using Department of Defense funds for abortions via memo. His new policy provided funding for extra time off, travel, and additional expenses for service members and dependents seeking elective abortions. In other words, Austin’s policy would use taxpayer funds without Congressional approval.
But in America, Congress makes the laws! And unfortunately, this move by Austin violates the spirit of the 1984 law.
The mainstream media reports that Tuberville is singlehandedly stopping the promotions and nominations of approximately 250 military officials. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) lumped all these nominations together and asked for one voice vote by unanimous consent. Tuberville met with Schumer to tell him that he could not consent to a unanimous voice vote unless Austin rescinded his unlawful pro-abortion policy. To date, Austin has refused.
But this move by Tuberville does NOT prevent the nominations from going through. Schumer has the option (and duty) to call these nominations up for a vote one by one any time he wants. No one can prevent him from doing that. Yet Schumer is trying to fool the public by blatantly refusing to bring them up for a vote individually and blaming it on Tuberville.
Eagle Forum applauds Tuberville for boldly standing up for the rule of law as well as the sanctity of the life of these unborn babies.
Becky Gerritson is the executive director at Eagle Forum of Alabama.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819news.com.
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