Mynor Rodriguez sent an e-mail out today updating Juan Garcia's supporters and friends about the confirmation process and is nomination as Assistant secretary of the Navy.
With so many from around the country inquiring,
Juan and Denise asked me to send out a note with an update on his nomination. After his July 30 hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, his nomination was reported out of the Committee favorably.
However, just before he was voted on by the full Senate, and just prior to the congressional summer recess, two Senators put a hold on Defense and Justice nominees due to an unrelated issue involving the Guantanamo detainees (see story link below). We anticipate a full vote when the Senate reconvenes after the Labor Day weekend.
Thanks for your support, and enjoy the final days of summer.
Sens. Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts, both Republicans are blocking Juan Garcia's nomination for political reasons.
At the heart of the Republican opposition is what will happen to Guantanamo Bay detainees and their possible relocation to Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.
According to a Corpus Christi report:
The two senators want a briefing from Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Attorney General Eric Holder. They want to know the feasibility of holding the detainees at Leavenworth and the impact it would have on current operations and community safety.
Administration officials said Fort Leavenworth is under consideration because it already is a hardened high-security facility that could be further protected by the surrounding military base, according to the AP.
The confirmation process was going smoothly because of Garcia's bipartisan support. Both Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Senate leader John Cornyn, both Republicans, said publicly that Garcia he is a great fit for the appointment.
Further proof Cornyn can't lead his own caucus.
Brownback has gone on the record saying, "If we're not going to get any cooperation, we're not going to give any cooperation. We're going to hold these up until we get the answers that we need."
The Party of no continues to stop, block, and prevent legislation and appointments in Washington.
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