A spokesperson for Sen. Tommy Tuberville caused a backlash among Republicans when he suggested primary challengers for senators who vote to end Tuberville's blockade of military promotions. Tuberville's hold on nominations has been frustrating his GOP colleagues, with some Republican senators confronting him about his tactics on the Senate floor. Tuberville has objected to the confirmation of 61 military nominees in an effort to force the Defense Department to reverse its policy on reimbursing service members and families for travel related to abortions. Despite objections from his colleagues, Tuberville plans to continue his hold until the policy changes. However, he has distanced himself from his aide's remarks, with a top Republican suggesting that the staffer should be punished. The spokesperson had asked anti-abortion groups to publicly oppose Senate Republicans who support a Democratic effort to bypass Tuberville's blockade. Some Republican senators are furious and have called for the staffer to face punishment, including termination.

Source:

- AL.com - "Tuberville aide causes GOP uproar for floating primaries over his military holds" by Frank Thorp V, Sahil Kapur, Julie Tsirkin, and Lori Rampani

- NBC News - "Senate Republicans erupt in anger over Tuberville's military freeze" by National Security