The 12-week-old public battle of Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R. Alabama, to reverse a Department of Defense Policy that unilaterally increased abortion within the military is gaining momentum. A growing grassroots movement has emerged in support of his stand.

The Heritage Foundation launched a petition on Thursday for the public to sign. This follows a letter from over 3,000 veterans, active-duty military members, and others who have expressed their support for Tuberville. Tuberville has pledged to block the promotion of nearly 200 generals and flag-officers until the Pentagon reverses its policy of February, which provided taxpayer-funded paid leaves and reimbursements for travel for military personnel undergoing abortions. The Daily Signal, The Heritage Foundation’s news and commentary outlet, launched a petition drive on Thursday. The initiative was prompted by a letter signed by over 3,000 veterans and active-duty servicemembers who expressed support for Tuberville. Tuberville has vowed to block the promotions of nearly 200 military generals and flag officers until the Pentagon rescinds a policy issued in February that provides taxpayer-funded paid leave as well as travel reimbursement for military personnel who undergo abortions.

Heritage’s signature drive is a follow-up to the Family Research Council petition drive that garnered more than 25,000 signatures supporting Senator Tuberville’s Pro-Life stand. The letter was signed by 23 pro-life leaders who also stand behind Tuberville.

The senator is also supported by lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Reps. Eli Crane (R-Ariz. ), Andrew Clyde (R-Ga. ), Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) all signed the letter.

Tuberville has also received support from a number of his Senate colleagues. Last week, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said, “It is beyond me why White House wants this fight.” The policy is illegal. The policy forces taxpayers to subsidise abortion , in violation of federal laws.”

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) was equally clear about his support for Tuberville. He said that Tuberville would not change his mind, and should not do so with the actions of this administration.

Daines continued to say that the Democrats could vote on the DOD’s extended abortion policy if they wanted to avoid the holdup in military promotions. “Senator Tuberville said… ‘Let us bring this fight into the open… before the people who sent us here to deliberate about these issues.’ But the Democrats won’t even do that.”

Tuberville, for his part, makes it clear that Senate Democrats could approve military promotions if they wanted to — just not the way they preferred.

He explained this on Thursday’s “Washington Watch”. “They don’t want work. They want them to be in a group, and everyone raises their hand and votes for them. Guess what? “That ain’t gonna happen to me.”

The former college football coach continued to say that the Biden administration can make the controversy disappear quickly. “Just like I told [Defense] Sec. [Lloyd] Austin. I’ve also told the White House and [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer. Since 40 years, we’ve had [military] abortions. We’ve had no problem. Nobody’s complained. Send a new law, or go back to the old one. Let’s vote. Whatever happens will happen. And I will drop [the whole thing]. “But let’s do it right.”

“It’s not fair to some of these generals and admirals because it is their livelihood,” the senator said. You have to understand that we must take a position somewhere. [The Left] has corrupted an entire nation. Next up is our military. If they manage to get our military then the Supreme Court is next. “And what we know today as the United States of America won’t exist anymore.”

Tuberville continued to argue that the priorities set by the Biden administration were misplaced. “We have kids in the military who are forced to purchase their own uniforms because we can’t afford to buy a second and third set.”

Tuberville ended on a sobering tone. “No. He urged people to pray for their country every morning before they get out of bed and at night when they go to sleep. Folks, we are in trouble. God may be the only person who can help us through this, because it’s the most difficult time I have seen in 68 years of living in this country. In a year’s time, in November, we should vote for someone who loves this country and knows the day. Someone who will fight for their kids or grandchildren and the things this country stands for.

Perkins offered a prayer to the senator. “I pray to those who stand up for our country. I also pray for Sen. Tuberville. You are appreciated for your support. You may encourage him, and others will stand with him. “And Lord, we pray that you will hear our prayers. Please turn this nation to you.”