Posted on 01/19/2005 1:30:15 PM PST by fidelio
BC-Senate-Rice, 14th Ld,320 URGENT Rice given approval by Senate panel; Democrats will delay confirmation at least until next week Eds: TOPS to UPDATE with Democratic plans By BARRY SCHWEID AP Diplomatic Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Democrats intend to delay Condoleezza Rice's confirmation as secretary of state at least until next week rather than grant her Inauguration Day approval, a spokesman said Wednesday. "There are a number of Democrats not on the committee that want to have a chance to debate her nomination a couple of hours," said Manley, a spokesman for Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. He said Democrats would not seek to prevent Rice's confirmation as the nation's top diplomat, and he predicted her approval within a matter of days. Rice cleared the Foreign Relations Committee earlier in the day, 16-2, a lopsided vote that belied hours of skeptical questioning by Democrats critical of President Bush's foreign policy and his conduct of the war in Iraq. By contrast, Manley said he expected that Democrats would assent to confirmation on Thursday just after the inauguration of two members of Bush's second-term Cabinet. They are Mike Johans, nominated as secretary of agriculture, and Margaret Spellings, named to take over as education secretary. The Senate developments unfolded as the nation's outgoing top diplomat, Secretary of State Colin Powell, bid farewell to the workers he called his "family" at the State Department. Powell has not yet formally resigned his post, and isn't expected to do so until Rice is formally sworn in. "You were my troops, you were America's troops," the former Army general told the workers. "You are the carriers of America's values." He called Rice "a dear friend" and said she would bring "gifted leadership" to the department. Rice surmounted two days of sometimes contentious questioning - mostly by Democrats - on the administration's prosecution of the war.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
What miserable grandstanders!
Can we invoke cloture if they decide to filibuster? I mean if they're filibustering judges, why not the cabinet?
OMG, That is a FUNNNNYYYYY PIC! Wish I knew what happened....
yEAH THE ONE THING WE do not WANT TO DO IS TO GIVE THEM ANYTHING IN RETURN FOR THEY'RE NOT DELAYING. sorry for shouting
One delay request granted is an almost automatic courtesy. If the Dems ask for another, a week later..by a different Senator..that's when the line has to be drawn..
This only shows why how pathetic they have become!
<< .... the former Army general .... [Said Miss] Rice .... would bring "gifted leadership" to the department. >>
And what a refreshing change THAT small mercy will bring to the Foggy Bottom's fetid Foreign-er Service-ing fever swamps.
Good riddance, Republican Party and Bush family collective blind-spot-occupying Peter Principled Powell.
Finally...some truth from the demonrats (remember Sean Young in Ace Venturea: Pet Detective?).
Precisely. Desperate petty sour grapes wet blanket party-pooping rain on the parade kill joy loosers!
BTT!!!!!!!
She's been in a very public position for the last 4 years as a part of the Bush administration - how much "debate" is necessary? What new information could possibly come out?
Just more stunts by the Democrats. What's even more disgusting? That the Republicans will ALLOW this.
Note from admin moderator: kindly eschew Monica Lewinsky allusions ;-)
When one's opponent is commiting suicide, step aside....
the democrats are over.......they are committing suicide.
I sure hope you are right.
Disgrace....that's better.
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