"Tuberville's Spokesman Rebuked for Anti-Abortion Remarks as GOP Senators Defy Military Blockade"

Senator Tommy Tuberville's communications director, Steven Stafford, suggested in an email to anti-abortion groups that Republicans who oppose military holds should face primary opponents. Stafford's message, sent from his Senate address, called for action to prevent "mushy middle Republicans" from opposing the holds. Tuberville distanced himself from the statement, stating that it was Stafford's personal opinion and that he disagreed with it. The email potentially violates Senate rules, but the Senate Ethics Committee rarely takes action on such violations. Tuberville has placed holds on military nominations over Defense Department policy on abortion reimbursement, which he believes can only be decided by Congress.