Senate Debates John R. Bolton's Nomination for UN Ambassador Amid Controversy

Strategic Insights -

Senate Democrats have made a last-ditch effort to acquire classified documents that could reveal John R. Bolton's handling of government intelligence as UN ambassador nominee. The Republican-controlled Senate requires 60 votes to advance the nomination, which Democrats fear they may not secure. Senator Christopher Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat, stated that his party will not support a motion to end debate unless the administration turns over the information, emphasizing that this is "very important information" that could shed light on Bolton's actions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate Intelligence Committee has been denied access to classified documents related to Bolton's treatment of government intelligence for almost two months, sparking controversy over his nomination.
  • Democrats have demanded information about Bolton's requests for secret intercepts of conversations between US and foreign officials, as well as allegations that he tried to exaggerate the threat of Syria.
  • Senator Jay Rockefeller, Democrat of West Virginia, acknowledged that Bolton may have inadvertently shared classified information with another State Department official, but maintains that this incident does not constitute an improper act.
  • Senator Pat Roberts, a Kansas Republican and chair of the Intelligence Committee, disagreed with Rockefeller, stating that Bolton's actions were permissible under the intelligence process.
  • However, some Republicans, including Ohio Senator George V. Voinovich, expressed concerns about Bolton's suitability for the position, with Voinovich noting that he feared many of his colleagues might not grasp the importance of the appointment.

Statistics:

  • The Republican-controlled Senate requires 60 votes to end debate and proceed to a vote on Bolton's nomination.
  • Democrats have been denied access to classified documents related to Bolton's treatment of government intelligence for almost two months.
  • Senator Voinovich has publicly expressed his opposition to Bolton's nomination, stating that he fears many of his colleagues will not support the appointment if it were a secret ballot.

Sources:

  • "The Boston Globe" article by Farah Stockman, citing the Senate debate on May 26.
  • The State Department and National Security Agency, referenced in the article regarding Bolton's requests for secret intercepts and classified information.