Republican demands Congress vote on Pentagon abortion policy: ‘We are not a communist country’

Tommy Tuberville at the Capitol on Tuesday. He said of his refusal to back down: ‘I think they’re starting to believe that I meant what I said.’ Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Defending his blocking promotions that has left hundreds of military officers in limbo and the US army, navy and marines without Senate-confirmed leaders, the Alabama Republican Tommy Tuberville demanded a congressional vote on Pentagon abortion policy.

He added: “We are not a communist country.”