Former Senator Chuck Hagel was narrowly approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee, 14-11 in a straight party line vote. The committee's Democrats decided to vote for him in spite of his execrable performance before the committee and his refusal to disclose foreign funding.According to a number of sources, one of those foreign funders Hagel is reluctant to disclose is a group called Friends of Hamas.
However, Senator James Inhofe made it plain that Hagel isn't going to be confirmed in the Senate without 60 votes:
Inhofe's demand for 60 votes is related to his overall objection to Hagel becoming defense secretary, which is based on Hagel's past record on issues ranging from Iran, Israel, Hamas, and cuts to the defense budget. Inhofe also wants Hagel to further disclose financial records related to his past speeches.
"We're going to require a 60-vote threshold," Inhofe told The Cable. {....}
Inhofe insisted that his demand for a 60-vote threshold is not a "filibuster." Inhofe said he will object to unanimous consent for a simple majority vote, which will prevent Reid from bringing the Hagel nomination to the floor without first filing for cloture, which requires 60 votes to proceed to a final vote.
"It's not a filibuster. I don't want to use that word," Inhofe said.
It may be a distinction without a difference, but it's a distinction that GOP senators like [Arizona Republican John] McCain are prepared to embrace. McCain has repeatedly said he is opposed to filibustering Hagel but told The Cable Tuesday that he would vote against a cloture vote this week if the White House doesn't provide the information he has requested on the president's actions the night of the Benghazi attack.
"We need to know what the president's conversations were," McCain said. "I would vote no [on cloture] on Thursday [unless the information is provided]."
Graham is also opposed to a "filibuster" of Hagel, but told The Cable today he would place a "hold" on the Hagel nomination after the committee vote.
"I think the president has stonewalled the Congress on Benghazi. I think a lot of people are worried that we don't have all the information on Chuck Hagel," said Graham. "I'm not inclined to filibuster. I'm going to hold him and Reid is not going to not honor my hold and try to hold the vote on Thursday."
There are two Republicans who have said they support Hagel, Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Mike Johanns (R-NE). There are 55 Democrats.Are they all prepared to have an obviously tainted and unqualified nominee like this heading the Department of Defense? Do they really think so little of themselves and of the country?
We'll find out.
3 comments:
Guess what? Relying on RINOS to lead the charge against Hagel (or another of the Islamist-in-Chief's nominees) is to rely on a blind man (a non-swimmer too) to save a sinking ship. It ain't gonna happen, despite their huffing and puffing - think McCain.
As such, the following is some more food for thought, as to their ability to do their due diligence - adinakutnicki.com/2013/02/13/is-the-republican-leadership-aiming-for-the-truth-re-benghazigate-embedded-radio-interview-commentary-by-adina-kutnicki/
Are they all prepared to have an obviously tainted and unqualified nominee like this heading the Department of Defense? Do they really think so little of themselves and of the country?
roflmao
you actually have to ask that question?
YHGTBFKM
this woman gets my vote.
yesiree, ms. dahpne campbell of florida would be an excellent choice for secdef. just look at her qualifications. hell, she may even have her sights set higher.
Yeah, I know...but as I said to you before, if you live in a democracy you have to have faith that sooner or later, the majority of citizens will do the right thing.
As for Ms. Campbell...I see your Campbell and raise you a Laura Richardson and a Maxine Waters.
*sigh*
Take Care,
Rob
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