GOP Sen. Tuberville meets with Defense Secretary Austin amid abortion hold

Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday to discuss the ongoing dispute involving the Pentagon's policy of funding the travel for servicemembers to obtain abortions.

The Alabama lawmaker has placed a blanket hold on key military nominations and promotions in protest of the decision, which the Pentagon announced following the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court ruling that ended the constitutional right to an abortion. While the senator cannot unilaterally block key promotions, he can refuse to grant unanimous consent to the approval of nomination slates, as is typical, forcing the Senate to schedule hearings on each nomination and use up floor time.

The meeting took place at 1:30 p.m. EST after which "Coach" expressed gratitude for the "cordial and productive conservation" and said he looked forward to future dialogue on the matter, YTN reporter Grayson Everett reported. Tuberville's office confirmed the meeting independently to Just the News.

While neither party has announced any movement on the deadlock, the meeting represents the first discussion between the pair in months over the matter.

A former Auburn football coach, Tuberville's staff and supporters often refer to him by that title rather than his official office.

Tuberville has repeatedly insisted that his hold has no impact on military readiness in the face of such criticisms from the Pentagon and the White House. The Marines this week were left without a Senate-confirmed leader for the first time since 1859 after Commandant Gen. David Berger retired on Monday without a confirmed replacement. 

Assistant Commandant Gen. Eric Smith, currently leads the Corps in an acting capacity and will do so until he receives Senate confirmation. Tuberville has contended that no senior military post is vacant as a result of his holds, recognizing that acting officials such as Smith carry on the essential duties.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.