Overcoming Senate Obstruction: Hagel Conffirmation

The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to shortly recommend to the Senate that Chuck Hagel be confirmed as Secretary of Defense. Senator Graham (R-SC) is threatening to put a “hold” on Senate consideration of Hagel and John Brennan as CIA Director.
Senators in the past have used holds anonymously to prevent the Senate from debating bills or nominations. Graham, a zealous opponent of Hagel, is equally destructive even if he isn’t anonymous..
When the bi-partisan Senate rules were changed the tweaked process changes in considering legislation and nominations, the optimists thought the Senate was moving closer to an improvement over a permanent absence of civility and obstruction. Realists stayed skeptical and said no cheer leading until there is evidence of behavior change.
Graham has laid a gauntlet down by saying a hold gives him the right to prevent the Senate from considering Hagel and Brennan until his unilateral demands are met by the Obama Administration on Ben Ghazi.
Majority Leader Reid faces an early test of whether or not the Senate will work. Reid has to be firm that once a Committee approves a nomination for floor consideration–especially a Cabinet office– holds don’t apply. Floor consideration becomes an urgent priority.
All necessary steps then must be taken by Leader Reid to consider the nomination, by overcoming procedural obstacles and invoking cloture if necessary. Does he allow Graham to run the Senate or does he exercise necessary leadership?
Republicans will also be tested. Even those opposed to Hagel–Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo) comes to mind– have pledged to oppose a filibuster on Presidential Cabinet appointees. Stay tuned.
David Cohen,
Washington DC
February 10, 2013