Cantwell blocks Air Force nominee
WASHINGTON —
Senator Maria Cantwell says she is blocking Senate action on President Bush’s nomination for a new Air Force secretary.
Cantwell, a Washington state Democrat, says she is not convinced that Michael Donley, Bush’s choice to lead the Air Force, and other leaders recognize the earnestness of problems with a $40 billion agreement for refueling tankers.
In a July 31 letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Cantwell says she’s concerned that the Pentagon may not conduct a fair rebidding of the tanker make, which was initially awarded to Northrop Grumman Corp.
The stipulate was voided after government investigators found “significant errors” in the Air Force’s decision. The Pentagon opened a favor round of bidding Wednesday.
Under Senate rules, any senator can obstruct a nomination or legislation by issuing a “hold,” or block.
Original thesis: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008095490_apwatankerfightcongress.html?syndication=rss
