Republican threatens to block Obama’s nomination for defense secretary and CIA director

 

Washington, United States (4E) – Upset with President Barack Obama’s administration’s actions during last September’s attack on U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, a Republican Senator Lindsay Graham threatened to put a ‘hold’ on Obama’s picks of Chuck Hagel and John Brennan.

The Republican lawmaker demanded an explanation on what actions did the president take in the aftermath of last year’s 9/11 attack.

“I want to know what our president did. What did he do as commander in chief? Did he ever pick up the phone and call anybody? I think this is the stuff the country needs to know,” Graham said on CBS’ Face the Nation.

Obama has nominated Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary and John Brennan as new CIA Director, however, the Senate is yet to confirm their appointments. According to U.S.’ parliamentary rules, even a single senator could stop president’s nominations from Senate vote.

“I don’t think we should allow Brennan to go forward to the CIA directorship, (or) Hagel to be confirmed for secretary of defense, until the White House gives us an accounting,” Graham said.

Democrat Senator Jack Reed condemned Graham’s blocking of vote, describing such blockage as “unprecedented, unwarranted”.

Talking at the CBS talk show, he said, “The men and women of the Department of Defense need a secretary of defense. These are critical offices. To dwell on a tragic incident and use that to block people is not appropriate.”

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