On Sunday, Alaska’s Republican Senator Dan Sullivan defended his party colleague, Senator Tommy Tuberville, who has been obstructing numerous military advancements.
Tuberville has disrupted the customary procedure for military advancements in Congress to express his disapproval of a Defense Department policy that backs military personnel and their dependents who seek abortions.
On Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre re-emphasized her disapproval of Senator Tommy Tuberville’s obstruction of numerous military nominations. She once more urged Republican members of Congress to voice their concerns.
Tuberville indicated last week that he might reconsider his blockade if the controversial abortion policy was subjected to a Congressional vote and, given the condition that the policy would be rescinded if the vote did not pass, provided the White House and the Pentagon agreed.
The White House National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, pointed out on Monday that the absence of the Pentagon’s abortion policy would profoundly impact military recruitment and retention.
Sullivan suggested that the key to breaking this deadlock instituted by the Alabama senator lies in a mutual compromise, a course of action that the Department of Defense has refrained from pursuing.
During his appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he argued that most such holds – 99% to be precise – could be effectively resolved by reaching a compromise. He added that what needs to transpire is a constructive dialogue involving the Secretary of Defense, Chuck Schumer, and Senator Tuberville.
The responsibility to convince Tuberville to end his standstill was placed on the top Senate Republicans by Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer just last week.
Schumer, a New York Democrat, pointed out that it was incumbent upon his Republican colleagues to exert pressure on Tuberville to ease off.
However, Sullivan remains hopeful for a resolution in the coming weeks, especially as Congress is gearing up to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Sullivan shared his optimism that suitable compromises will be found, as they have been in similar situations in the Senate.
