Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin moved the ball forward today in a legislative caper with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville over the confirmation of more than 200 military promotions.
Tuberville (R-Auburn) is holding up confirmations in response to a Biden administration policy directing Department of Defense funds toward out-of-state abortions for troops and their families stationed in states where the procedure is prohibited.
A “cordial and productive” exchange took place on the same day President Biden revealed to reporters in Helsinki he believes an impasse has been reached – while calling on Republicans to sort it out.
Pres. Biden on Sen. Tuberville: "I'd be willing to talk to him if I thought there's any possibility of him changing his ridiculous position he has. He's jeopardizing U.S. security by what he's doing. I expect the Republican Party to stand up, stand up and do something about it." pic.twitter.com/QAKS7G3nIh
— CSPAN (@cspan) July 13, 2023
“I would be willing to talk to him if I thought there was any chance of him changing this ridiculous position,” Biden said. “I expect the Republican Party to stand up and do something about it. It’s within their power to do that.”
RELATED: Tuberville on DoD holds: ‘ I will stay here till hell freezes over’
Shortly after, Austin made contact with Tuberville. According to his spokesperson, Tuberville was “grateful” a dialogue was opened.
At 1:30PM EST, @SenTuberville spoke with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Coach said he’s grateful for the cordial and productive conversation and looks forward to continuing dialogue in the near future.
— Grayson Everett (@Grayson270) July 13, 2023
It’s not clear if any substantive progress was made during the call, but the secretary and senator are set to speak again next week, according to the Pentagon.
The Pentagon also said it was Austin’s request to speak with Tuberville. And, during the call, Austin expressed the “impact the holds are having to military readiness and uncertainty in the force,” according to a spokesperson.
Tuberville has frequently made clear he will not be backing down on keeping the holds in place until the Pentagon rescinds the abortion policy.
Today, Austin said while he’ll continue to engage with Tuberville, servicemembers will continue to be reimbursed for their abortion-related travel expenses.
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
