For seven months, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama has blocked the nominations and promotions of senior officers in the military. Since February, he’s argued against what he calls the Pentagon’s abortion policy.
The Republican lawmaker’s stance has garnered criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, as well as from top-ranking members of the military, such as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Tuberville is being accused of jeopardizing America’s national security by stalling the promotions of hundreds of military personnel. Austin said Tuberville’s hold is not only jeopardizing America’s national security, but it’s also hurting military families.
Meanwhile, Tuberville claims the Pentagon’s policy is illegal, citing that the hold will remain in place until the Pentagon lifts its abortion policy – a policy the Pentagon says they do not have.
“The department does not have an abortion policy, per se. We have a reproductive health policy,” said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, who joined Monday’s edition of “Closer Look.”
