Why a single senator is blocking US military promotions and what it means for the Pentagon

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville is waging an unprecedented campaign to try to change Pentagon abortion policy by holding up hundreds of military nominations and promotions. That’s leaving key positions unfilled and raising concerns at the Pentagon about military readiness. Senators in both parties have pushed back on Tuberville’s blockade. But Tuberville is dug in. He says he won’t drop the holds unless majority Democrats allow a vote on the policy. For now, the issue is at a stalemate. Democrats say that if they were to try to get around the blockages and hold a vote on every single nominee, the Senate floor could be tied up for months.