For the 10th time, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) kept Democrats from maneuvering around his hold on military promotions to combat a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) policy that financially facilitates abortions.

Tuberville objected to a move by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) on Tuesday to approve all pending military nominations in a single vote by unanimous consent, thwarting just the latest effort by Democrats to avoid addressing the military policy and not have to vote on each nomination independently.

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 member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, threatened to impede President Joe Biden's DOD nominations if the policy was implemented without congressional approval. His decision slows Biden's efforts to fill DOD positions without a formal Senate vote.

Tuberville clarified earlier this year that his hold did not stop all nominees from being confirmed but rather prevents the Senate from confirming them in large swaths instead of individually.

Though several conservatives have backed Tuberville and his hold, he has faced criticism from Democrats and some neoconservatives. 

Democrats have accused Tuberville of causing vacancies in important military positions and, therefore, threatening national security.

According to Tuberville’s press secretary Cody Sargent, this claim is not true, as existing officers remain in their positions until the Senate can confirm replacements. 

Last month, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) refused to support Tuberville’s actions.

Earlier this month, a man was even arrested in New Hampshire for allegedly threatening to kill Tuberville over the hold.

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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