White House Press Secretary Carine Jean-Pierre said at a news conference Wednesday that Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville’s obstruction of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) confirmation of its position was a “threat to our national security.” ‘ said.
The city of Tuberville has nearly 160 pending approvals until the Pentagon rolls back its abortion policy. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pledged in February that the Department of Defense would provide leave and funding for military personnel traveling out of state for abortions.
“What senators are doing by retaining these nominations is a threat to national security,” Jean-Pierre said. “That’s what he’s doing. These are the key candidates we need and what the American people need to keep our country safe. Not only that, they He’s jeopardizing our military readiness by undermining the leadership of our military and hurting the families of military personnel, and that’s what he’s doing by detaining Pentagon candidates.”
The spokesperson called for “rapid confirmation” of candidates and said senators “shouldn’t do politics” with military preparations. He said the White House does not have a “mechanism” to approve candidates. (Related: Sen. JD Vance pledges to block Biden over Trump indictment)
“It’s embarrassing for him to do this,” she said. “He needs to be asked why he’s endangering our national security. That’s what the senator has to answer. I am trying to do the right thing.”
Jean-Pierre said he was not aware of any conversations between Mr. Tuberville and the White House to reach an agreement and proceed with the approval process.
Mr. Tuberville has previously said he was “disappointed” for blocking the process, but would defend himself against “taxpayer abortions.”
“I hate having to do this. It’s a shame. But we’re the ones making the laws here. The Pentagon isn’t. This isn’t about abortion. It’s taxpayer money.” It’s about an abortion that took place in the United States,” Tuberville told Punchbowl News. “If this were about personnel lists, people actually fighting, things might be different. …If this had anything to do with winning the war, obviously I wouldn’t Let’s go.”
