Shelby Releases Holds on Most, Not All, Nominees
Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) has dropped his holds on a large block of President Barack Obama’s nominees but is still holding up consideration of three nominations until the Air Force moves forward with plans for a new fleet of refueling tanker airplanes.
“The purpose of placing numerous holds was to get the White House’s attention on two issues that are critical to our national security the Air Force’s aerial refueling tanker acquisition and the FBI’s Terrorist Device Analytical Center (TEDAC),” a release from Shelby’s office states. “With that accomplished, Sen. Shelby has decided to release his holds on all but a few nominees directly related to the Air Force tanker acquisition until the new Request for Proposal is issued.”
Shelby still has holds on three nominees, however: Terry Yonkers, nominated to serve as assistant secretary of the Air Force; Frank Kendall, nominated to serve as principal deputy undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics; and Erin Conaton, nominated to serve as undersecretary of the Air Force.