Tuberville: Military chiefs ‘making a mountain out of a molehill’

Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville defended his decision to hold up military nominations, including those of senior officers, over a disagreement with the Pentagon’s abortion policy.

Tuberville’s move has sparked a heated debate with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who says the senator is potentially hurting the nation’s combat readiness.

“They’re making a mountain out of a molehill here,” Tuberville said in an appearance on “On Balance With Leland Vittert.” “We’ve got more generals and admirals (than) you stir with a stick. That Pentagon over there is running full with people … that really have nothing to do with readiness.”

Del Toro delivered a heated response, saying, “I never imagined that actually one of our own senators would actually be aiding and abetting communist and other autocratic regimes around the world. This is having a real negative impact and will continue to have a real negative impact on our combat readiness.”

At the center of the issue is a new Defense Department policy that provides paid leave and travel reimbursement for abortions.