As Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s, R-Ala., public fight to reverse a Department of Defense policy that unilaterally expanded abortion in the military enters its 12th week, a burgeoning grassroots movement is blossoming in support of the senator’s stand, and a growing number of fellow lawmakers on the Hill are also voicing their solidarity.
On Thursday, The Heritage Foundation announced the launch of a petition drive for the public to sign in the wake of a letter signed by over 3,000 veterans and active-duty servicemembers expressing support for Tuberville, who has vowed to block the promotions of nearly 200 military generals and flag officers until the Pentagon rescinds a policy issued in February that provides taxpayer-funded paid leave and travel reimbursement for military personnel to undergo abortions.
The Heritage signature drive builds on Family Research Council’s petition drive, which garnered over 25,000 signatures in support of the senator’s pro-life stand. In addition, 23 pro-life leaders signed a letter in March indicating they are standing behind Tuberville.
Lawmakers on the Hill are also backing the senator’s efforts. Reps. Eli Crane, R-Ariz.; Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.; Ronny Jackson, R-Texas; and Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., all joined the veteran and active-duty letter.
A number of Tuberville’s Senate colleagues have also voiced their support. “It’s beyond me why the White House wants to pick this fight,” Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., remarked last week. “The policy is illegal. It forces taxpayers to subsidize abortion in violation of federal law.” . . . (read more on Daily Signal)
Sen. Bennet says overturning Roe has ‘sacrificed’ US military ‘security’ (Fox News, 19 MAY 23)
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year as a danger to the U.S. military.
Bennet, who has made the same argument in long form releases previously, on Wednesday posted a video of himself making the point on social media.
“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, among many other things, has seriously sacrificed our nation’s military readiness and security,” Bennet said in the clip, posted to Twitter.
“Following the Dobbs decision, the RAND Corporation estimates that 40% of active duty women serving in the continental United States face limited or no access to abortion services where they are stationed,” Bennet wrote in the March statement.
“Women service members, who make up approximately 17% of active duty military, have no say in where they are stationed, even if their duty station is in a state that severely limits or restricts access to abortion or other critical reproductive health services,” he continued.
Bennet claimed female service members are “forced to needlessly risk their personal health and safety” by traveling to avoid state-level restrictions on abortions. . . . (read more)
Leave a Comment