Defense Secretary Austin challenges GOP senator's abortion policy blockade on military promotions.

Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville is blocking military nominations over his opposition to a Pentagon abortion policy that covers the travel costs of service members seeking abortions in states outside of where they are stationed if their base is located in a state that bans the procedure. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that military readiness could be impaired by the growing list of senior military nominations being blocked. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Tuberville for blocking the Pentagon promotions, while Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed warned that critical positions in the military are in jeopardy of not being filled.