Huerta Likely to Remain Unconfirmed Through Election
Michael Huerta’s nomination to serve as FAA administrator will remain in limbo through the November elections.
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) has vowed to block all executive branch appointments until after the polls close on November 6, voicing opposition to Huerta’s confirmation to serve as the agency’s chief. DeMint’s objection comes just days after the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee unanimously approved Huerta’s nomination. At the time of the committee’s approval, no senator had voiced opposition to Huerta.
While DeMint is the only senator to raise a public objection to Huerta’s nomination, it is probable another Republican senator would have put a hold on his confirmation prior to November. The position is a five-year term and GOP senators would prefer to wait for the outcome of the presidential election before confirming an FAA chief that would be able to serve through the first four years of a possible Romney administration.
~~~ posted 8/7/12 ~~~