Posted on 11/28/2004 10:51:10 AM PST by SmithL
WASHINGTON -- At the White House's request, confirmation hearings for Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state will not begin until Congress reconvenes in January, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Sunday.
When President Bush nominated his national security adviser to replace Colin Powell at the State Department, Sen. Richard Lugar said he would try to bring his committee together in the first week of December to begin the Senate confirmation process.
"The White House suggested that that would not be appropriate -- that is, in December," Lugar said on "Fox News Sunday." "So we'll not be having hearings in December, but we'll have hearings as soon as possible in January."
He predicted Rice's nomination will draw strong support in the Senate and will have no difficulty being approved.
Lugar did not say why the White House considered early hearings inappropriate. The resignation of the 67-year-old Powell was presented as part of an overhaul of Bush's cabinet for his second term.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
I wish Condoleeza lots of luck. Can't think of a better person for the position.
Perhaps because of her recent surgery.
I think the administration feels that confirmation hearing would marginalize Powell more than he already is. They may be afraid that the confirmation will not go smoothly, and it will take focus off of current foreign policy.
Nah Congress gets more time off than anyone - they are useless until they get back. And besides they will only drag it out and then go on a break and make her wait till they come back to confirm her if they do it now. They are notoriouos for taking their time when they know a break is coming up. Its better they are back in full swing without any breaks coming up when they confirm her.
notoriouos=notorious
Waiting until January will take advantage of the larger Rep. Senate Majority and any new filibuster rules that will go into effect with the new Congress.
"...they are useless until they get back."
I beg to differ on this point. They are very useful UNTIL they come back. First, when they are not in town, we are spared their harm and malice ("no man's life or property are safe while legislature is in session"). Second, on more mundane level, their absence makes recess appointments possible.
It makes sense. It's only a slight delay, and it ensures that the process will go more smoothly and possibly even faster. If it started in December the Democrats might dig in their heels and then find it harder to cooperate in the new, improved congress.
Very true. I can't wait. Condi '08.
No need to call a special session right now. Perhaps we are going to see a "recess appointment" or two in the very near future (SCOTUS?-HEHE)
Frankly, I'm disappointed with her previous ties to the petroleum industry.
Not that I think there's anything "wrong" or "illegal" about it.
It's just that appointing her as Secretary of State seems to place a greater emphasis on importing oil rather than developing our more self-reliant, domestic energy resources.
What surgery?
She had surgery for uterine tumors about 10 days ago.
She had surgery for fibroids about a week ago. (I think...FReepers correct me if I am wrong)
He sure knew what he was talking about on JFK! My guess is that there is more "bad stuff" on Kerry that hasn't come out till yet because of the MSM protecting him.
Sheesh Wiilie, either out yourself as a DUmmie or write a new sitcom using old Seinfeld references.
Thanks for the quick reply. Benign results hopefully. But why would it be "appropriate not to begin proceedings"? 10 days is a long recovery time for that procedure.
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