Staff Reports
In a surprising move, Texas Congressman Michael McCaul criticized Tommy Tuberville, an Alabama Republican, for his stance on military nominations. He accused Tuberville of being “paralyzing” the Pentagon. The congressman was reacting to Tuberville's opposition to a policy that provides for the reimbursement of travel expenses for personnel who have abortions.
According to CNN's Lou McCaul, he was worried about how Tuberville's protest affected the readiness of the military. He noted that it paralyzed the Department of Defense.
A top Republican House lawmaker is breaking ranks with Sen. #TommyTuberville (R-Ala.), accusing the senator of “paralyzing” the #Pentagon with his ongoing hold on military nominations. https://t.co/3ylAp9qMk5
— NTD News (@NTDNews) September 12, 2023
Due to the actions of Tuberville, the Senate has been unable to confirm many of the military's nominees. Even though the Senate can still use its regular procedures to confirm these individuals, the process can take a long time. Currently, over 300 officers, including the three Joint Chiefs Of Staff leaders, are waiting for the Senate's decision on their promotions.
The policy of the Department of Defense, which Tuberville opposes, claims to follow the Hyde Amendment's limits. However, it does not allow federal funds to be used for abortions except in cases of threat to the mother's life or when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape. Tuberville has vowed to continue his hold until the law is changed or the policy is retracted. According to McCaul, Tuberville's stance is a national security issue that he should consider.
While he criticized Tuberville's stance on military nominations, McCaul also supported the efforts of the House to pass a provision that would reverse the Department of Defense's abortion policy. Unfortunately, it is not likely that the Senate will allow the measure to be implemented.
The office of Tuberville then blamed Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer for the delays in the confirmation of military personnel. According to Steven Stafford, Schumer refuses to set a schedule for the votes on the nominations.
Other Republican senators accused Schumer of contributing to the prolonged delays in the confirmation of military nominees. Stafford also noted that the functions of the nominees are being performed by officials who are acting in an emergency.
