Pence backs navy holds, says ‘Tuberville is right, and Pentagon is wrong’

Sen. Tommy Tuberville has a brand new ally supporting his monthslong blockade of navy promotions: former Vice President Mike Pence. 

Mr. Tuberville, Alabama Republican, has protested the Pentagon’s coverage of reimbursing prices for service members who journey to get an abortion for almost six months. His protest has prevented lots of of Pentagon nominations from having Senate affirmation votes.

Mr. Pence mentioned throughout a speech in D.C. on Friday that if elected, he would nix the Department of Defense coverage on the heart of Mr. Tuberville’s argument. 

“Senator Tommy Tuberville is right, and the Pentagon is wrong,” Mr. Pence mentioned. 

Mr. Pence’s assist comes amid rising bipartisan criticism of the holds. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who can be vying for the Republican presidential nomination, agreed that the Pentagon‘s coverage was unsuitable, however blasted Mr. Tuberville for “using military families as political pawns.” 

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Michael McCaul additionally went after Mr. Tuberville for the holds. Mr. McCaul, Texas Republican, mentioned that the senator was paralyzing the Pentagon and that Mr. Tuberville’s unwillingness to budge was inflicting a nationwide safety situation — some extent that Senate Democrats and Pentagon officers have been reiterating all through the standoff. 

The holds have already left the highest positions within the Army, Military and Navy with out everlasting leaders. Pressure is mounting to resolve the standoff as Gen. Mark Milley, the present chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is slated to retire by the top of the month. 

Hundreds of navy relations have additionally signed a petition urging Mr. Tuberville to finish the holds.  

Meanwhile, Mr. Tuberville has asserted that he’ll again down from his stance if Democratic management within the Senate holds a vote on the coverage. 

He has additionally blamed the Biden administration for the holds, accusing the White House of injecting politics into the navy — the Pentagon’s abortion coverage was enacted following the Supreme Court’s choice to overturn Roe v. Wade.