A U.S. Senate source told 1819 News that Senate Democrats intend to attempt lifting U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Auburn) hold on military promotions on Wednesday night.
Tuberville’s hold on military promotions is intended to combat a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) policy that financially facilitates abortions.
After the U.S. Supreme Court brought the abortion issue back to the states by overturning Roe v. Wade last summer, the Pentagon decided to aid female soldiers in obtaining abortions by offering them up to three weeks of leave and transportation allowances to travel to states where abortion is legal.
Tuberville, a Senate Armed Services Committee member, threatened to impede President Joe Biden's DOD nominations if the policy were implemented without congressional approval. His decision slows Biden's efforts to fill DOD positions without a formal Senate vote.
BREAKING: A U.S. Senate source told @1819News Senate Democrats are expected to take another shot at lifting @SenTuberville's hold on military promotions tonight.
— Will Blakely (@WillBlakely3) July 19, 2023
Tuberville's hold is in response to a DOD policy that financially facilitates abortions.
Though several conservatives and military veterans have backed Tuberville and his hold, he has faced criticism from Democrats and neoconservatives, some suggesting that the hold negatively impacts national security.
Tuberville clarified earlier this year that his hold did not stop all nominees from being confirmed but prevented the Senate from confirming them in large swaths instead of individually.
Wednesday will not mark the first time Democrats have attempted to bypass Tuberville's hold. Tuberville defended his hold on military promotions for the 11th time earlier this month.
According to reports, Tuberville spoke to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday but made no progress.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email will.blakely@1819news.com or find him on Twitter and Facebook.
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