Republican Senator Blocks Military Promotions Due to Abortion Policy, Drawing Criticism.

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville is holding up the promotion of 160 generals and flag officers and two civilian nominations because he is angry about a new Pentagon policy that provides support for military members who need abortions. The policy gives service members and dependents three weeks of administrative leave for abortion-related travel. Tuberville is stalling the promotions because he believes the policy violates the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funds from being used to pay for abortions. However, the Department of Defense is covering travel and transportation costs, not the actual procedure.