Tuberville Lifts Blockade and Proposes Back-Pay Legislation

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has ended his blockade on most military promotions, which he had initiated in protest of the Pentagon’s abortion policy. He has also co-sponsored a bill that would award back pay and promotions to over 400 senior officers.

According to Stars and Stripes, the proposed bill, known as the Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act, would retroactively promote over 400 senior officers and provide back pay dating back to the spring, when Tuberville began his protest campaign.

The bill, introduced by Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., aims to address the financial losses incurred by officers during the hold.

Tuberville dropped his protest on most military promotions on Tuesday, under bipartisan pressure, but maintained his hold on approximately 12 four-star generals and admirals.

In a floor speech on Wednesday, Tuberville attributed his blockade to Democrats, accusing them of being indifferent to the unborn and the military, stating, “Everybody said, ‘Well, these men and women need promotions.’ Well, these young unborn will never have a chance for a promotion because they want to kill them before they’re born.”