Kyrsten Sinema Working to End Tuberville’s Military Promotions Hold, Tells ‘Coach’ to ‘Choose a Hostage That Is Appropriate’

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., is suggesting Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., choose an "appropriate" hostage as she's pushing a Senate resolution that would work around Tuberville's months-long hold on military promotions.

"I still hope not to have to use a resolution," Sinema told Politico. "The best way for this to be resolved is for Coach to choose a hostage that is appropriate."

Tuberville's military hold has earned pushback on both sides of the political aisle. The Alabama senator and former college football coach said Monday he's standing strong in his protest as Senate Republicans are scheduled to meet to discuss the blockade.

Tuberville has blocked hundreds of military nominations, including key leadership positions, in protest of a Pentagon policy that provides travel pay and time off for service members who need to travel out of state to receive an abortion because they are stationed somewhere with more restrictive laws. The policy was enacted after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and a number of states put forth abortion bans.

Sinema said she's been talking with Tuberville for weeks, but he has not budged on his position.

She's also been drumming up support for her Senate resolution, which would grant temporary powers to the Senate to give a blanket vote to all the held-up nominees, instead of the months-long process individually approving them would take.

For the resolution to pass, it would need the support of every Senate Democrat and independent, as well as nine Republicans, something Sinema claims she can get.

"You should look for the most narrow solution that actually solves the problem — without creating additional cost," she said.

The resolution was introduced by Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The resolution has already gained the support of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.