California Sen. Feinstein Blocking Several Bush* Nominees

[kskiska]

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein 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.

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, 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.

more…
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/11/19/national2136EST0864.DTL

[Gloria]

1. Funny, on the West Wing tonight, Republicans reneged on a deal, too.....

Art imitating life......

[belab13]

2. the shining lights in my f**ked up state consist of the senators

Boxer and Feinstein, and of course the bulldawg tenacious representative Waxman.

[wtmusic]

3. Yes, except Feinstein is a bit of a fair-weather friend

[DUreader]

4. I could swear the (R)Senate did away with the 'hold' procedure

thus the need for filibusters

[Josh]

5. If they didn't, then why are the Dems filibustering at all?

Why not just hold the nominations anonymously. It sure would stop them having to hold the floor any time the nominee comes out of committee.

[jamesinca]

6. I want to know why she is not doing it on values, morals etc..

Why is she not holding them to the Constitution? Why is she holding them because she feels they did not keep their end of the deal? Sen. Feinstein quit playing games with these pigs, hold them to the laws of the country, hold them to a higher standard like their record and how it effects the lives of thousands. I wish she would quit being so shallow and basing her political dicisions on who she can trade with, a political GO FISH if you will.