Posted on 11/20/2003 9:19:10 AM PST by steppenwolffe
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein (search) of California is blocking many of President Bush's judicial and other nominees as Congress speeds toward adjournament for the year in what her aides describe as a dispute arising from Bush's refusal to reappoint a Democrat to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (search).
Feinstein said Wednesday she had an agreement with senior White House officials that Democrat William Massey would be reappointed if she helped advance two of Bush's nominees for seats on the five-member commission.
"This was a specific agreement," Feinstein said. "I feel that the White House hasn't lived up to their end of the bargain."
Senate Judiciary Chairman Orrin Hatch (search), R-Utah, told reporters earlier that he expected only one or two more nominees to make it through the Senate before lawmakers adjourn for the year.
Under Senate rules, any senator can stop a bill or a nomination from being considered by placing a "hold" on it.
Howard Gantman, a spokesman for Feinstein, said her hold covers a wide range of Bush nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to take office. Most involve minor boards and commissions.
"She has not placed a hold on any ambassadors, homeland security nominees, military nominees or any nominees who are critical to the security of out nation," he said.
White House spokesmen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Hatch said Monday he expected only one or two more nominations to make it through the Senate, with the rest being held over until next year. Nominations that are contested by Democrats have little chance for advancement until then, he said.
"In this climate, it would be very uphill for them to get out this year," Hatch said.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
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