Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) has placed a blanket hold on more than 70 Obama administration nominees because of home state concerns with the future of the Air Force's tanker fleet and disagreements with the White House over funding for anti-terrorism programs, Senate Democratic aides charge.
Shelby's concerns are rooted in the future of the KC-135 Air Force tanker fleet, a project that could generate thousands of jobs in Alabama. He has placed holds on "several pending nominees," Shelby spokesman Jonathan Graffeo said. The office of Majority LeaderHarry Reid (D-Nev.) said Shelby's holds applied to more than 70 nominees; Shelby's office did not immediately specify the number.
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Senators can place a hold on nominees at any time for any reason, creating a powerful tool for influencing the executive branch. Such moves are often made anonymously, making it difficult to track them. Obama, as a senator from Illinois, placed holds on at least three Bush administration nominees amid policy disagreements or concerns about their qualifications.
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