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Senator vows hold on military nominees over Pentagon abortion policy – By Leo Shane III and Joe Gould (Defense News) / Dec 6, 2022
A prominent Republican senator is threatening to hold up all Defense Department nominations over senior leaders’ decision to provide leave and travel expenses to help troops access abortion services.
The move comes as senior Pentagon officials express concerns over several unfilled leadership spots, including the assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs, a key post in recruiting and retention efforts, and deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, a key post for overseeing stocks of arms sent to Ukraine.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville — a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee — said the move is designed to force military leaders to provide a reason for the decision, which he says appears politically motivated. A briefing on the issue was scheduled for last month but canceled.
