Council for a Livable World

Political action to reduce nuclear threats

  • Elections
    • Senate Candidates
    • House Candidates
    • Political News and Notes
    • Political Analysis
    • Who We’ve Helped Elect
  • Legislation
    • Key National Security Legislation
    • National Security Legislative Calendar
    • Legislative Analysis
    • Legislative Achievements
  • Take Action
    • Issues
    • Join Our Email List
    • Become a Member
  • About
    • Staff
    • Press
    • Newsletter
    • Boards & Experts
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financials and Annual Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Search
You are here: Home / Blog / Overcoming Senate Obstruction: Hagel Conffirmation

February 11, 2013

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

Posted in: Blog

Tweets by Livable World

Recent Posts

  • ‘Increases the risk of nuclear escalation’: statement on the NDAA committee approval June 23, 2022
  • Council: Front and Center: June 18, 2022 June 18, 2022
  • Top 11 critical races June 15, 2022
  • House Elections: Democratic and Republican Target Seats June 14, 2022
  • Council: Front and Center: May 21, 2022 May 21, 2022
Council for a Livable World logo

820 1st Street NE, Suite LL-180
Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone: 202.543.4100

Elections

  • Meet The Candidates
  • 2020 Senate Candidates
  • 2020 House Candidates
  • Who We’ve Helped Elect

Legislation

  • Key National Security Legislation
  • National Security Legislative Calendar
  • Legislative Achievements

Take Action

  • Issues
  • Join Our Email List
  • Become a Member

About

  • History & Mission
  • Staff
  • Press
  • Newsletter
  • Boards & Experts
  • Jobs & Internships
  • Financials and Annual Reports
  • Contact Us
  • Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

© 2022 Council for a Livable World
Privacy Policy