Senate Rules Committee Sets Hearing on Resolution to Bypass Tuberville Blockade 

The Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday set a date for a hearing on a resolution that would allow Congress to bypass GOP Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s holds. 

The hearing will take place next Tuesday at 3 p.m. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., will preside over the hearing as the committee reviews the resolution submitted by Sens. Krysten Sinema, I-Ariz., and Jack Reed, D-R.I.

The measure, which was also spearheaded by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., would be a temporary process change instead of a rules change that would last through the end of the year. It would also make an exception for members of the joint chiefs and combatant commanders, whose positions usually involve individual Senate floor votes due to the importance of the position. 

The measure will require the support of nine Republicans in the Senate if all 51 senators support it. The bill has already earned Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s, D-N.Y., approval. 

The resolution would bring an end to the months-long block Tuberville has held over the military in protest of a new policy supporting members who have to seek an abortion out of state due to restrictions in their home state. The blockade has grown especially controversial in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East.