Bush Vows to Press for Bolton Confirmation Despite GOP Doubts

President Bush's commitment to his controversial nominee for the United Nations, John Bolton, has put the Senate on notice that he will continue to push for confirmation. Despite Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's indication that approval of the Bolton nomination is unlikely, the president made it clear that he expects an up-or-down vote. However, Frist warned that Bush won't get the vote unless he can change the minds of key Republican senators, who are increasingly skeptical of Bolton's nomination. The White House is also considering a recess appointment, which would allow Bolton to serve until January 2007, but Frist has not recommended this option.

Key Takeaways:

• President Bush has vowed to press for the confirmation of John Bolton as Ambassador to the United Nations despite growing doubts among key Republican senators.
• Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has indicated that approval of the Bolton nomination is unlikely, citing the need for a change in the environment on Capitol Hill.
• Frist has not recommended a recess appointment, which would allow Bolton to serve until January 2007, but has kept the door open for negotiations.
• The White House has accused Senate Democrats of trying to hold up U.N. reform by blocking Bolton's confirmation.
• Democrats such as Sen. Chris Dodd and Sen. Joseph Biden have argued that Bolton is an abusive boss who has attempted to browbeat subordinates into conforming their assessments of intelligence to his own.

Statistics:

• The Senate has failed to choke off a Democratic filibuster for the second time, with 54 votes in favor of a cloture motion on Monday.
• It would take 60 votes to end the filibuster, which has been ongoing since Monday.
• Bolton has served as the top State Department official for arms control since the beginning of the Bush administration.
• The U.S. Congress is scheduled to take recess the week of July 4 and again in August.

Sources:

• Associated Press, _Bush Vows to Press for Bolton Confirmation_
• Reuters, _U.S. Senate Majority Leader Says No Plans to Schedule Another Vote on Bolton Nomination_
• White House Briefing Transcript, June [No date mentioned in original text]