Senator Tuberville Ends Blockade on Military Promotions, Easing National Security Concerns
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville has lifted his months-long blockade on some military promotions, which he had imposed to protest the Pentagon's payment of abortion-related travel costs. The Senate's Democratic majority leader, Chuck Schumer, confirmed hundreds of stalled promotions shortly after Tuberville's announcement. While Tuberville has released most of the promotions, he still maintains a hold on 11 four-star generals. The Pentagon has expressed encouragement at his decision, but emphasized the need for all holds to be lifted to avoid unnecessary friction in the chain of command. Tuberville's blockade began in March, targeting senior Pentagon posts in objection to a military policy providing paid leave and reimbursement for service members seeking abortions.