US Defense Secretary Warns of Readiness Risk Due to Republican Hold on Military Promotions.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has warned that Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville's decision to hold over 150 military nominations due to concerns over the Pentagon's abortion policy is harming national security. The Pentagon has said it will cover travel costs for service members seeking abortions and up to 21 days off. The military argues that women service members cannot choose where they are stationed. Tuberville has argued that the Pentagon changed its policy without congressional approval and will continue to hold the nominees until the Pentagon changes its policy or Congress changes the law.