Senate Democrats Delay Confirmation of Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State

Strategic Insights -

Senate Democrats on Wednesday delayed the confirmation of Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state, reflecting their skepticism about the administration's plans for Iraq. Despite the Foreign Relations Committee's approval of her nomination by a vote of 16 to 2, senators sought more time to review her testimony, citing concerns over Iraq and the administration's decisions. The delay underscored the Democrats' dissatisfaction with Ms. Rice's reluctance to acknowledge past mistakes and her lack of specificity in outlining the future.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senate Democrats delayed the confirmation of Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state, citing skepticism about the administration's plans for Iraq.
  • The Foreign Relations Committee approved her nomination by a vote of 16 to 2, but senators sought more time to review her testimony.
  • Two Democratic senators, Barbara Boxer and John Kerry, voted against her, citing her refusal to acknowledge past mistakes.
  • Republicans, including Lamar Alexander and Chuck Hagel, expressed concerns over the administration's lack of a clear plan for achieving its goals in Iraq and making a withdrawal possible.
  • Senator Robert C. Byrd refused to allow a quick vote, effectively torpedoing the administration's hopes for her approval on Thursday.
  • Condoleezza Rice's testimony was criticized for refusing to second-guess past decisions on Iraq and for being vague on the future.
  • The administration's failure to anticipate difficulties in rebuilding Iraq and the low numbers of effectively trained Iraqi troops were highlighted as concerns.
  • The reconstruction effort has been slowed by the violent insurgency in Iraq, with only $2.5 billion of the $18.4 billion in reconstruction funds dispersed.
  • The administration is bracing for more violence and political strife after the vote, especially with hopes for a strong Sunni turnout diminishing.

Statistics:

  • The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Condoleezza Rice's nomination by a vote of 16 to 2.
  • Only 4,000 of 120,000 Iraqi troops have been effectively trained, according to Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr.
  • $2.5 billion of the $18.4 billion in reconstruction funds have been dispersed.
  • 120,000 Iraqi troops have been said to be trained, but this number was disputed by Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr.
  • 16 senators voted in favor of Condoleezza Rice's nomination in the Foreign Relations Committee.
  • 2 senators, Barbara Boxer and John Kerry, voted against her nomination.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, Wednesday, January 20, 2005.
  • Getty Images, Photo: Matthew Cavanaugh (Caption: After her confirmation hearings yesterday, Democratic senators said goodbye to Condoleezza Rice. From the left: Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware and Barack Obama of Illinois.)