Senate Fails to Confirm John Bolton as UN Ambassador

Strategic Insights -

Senator Democrats' determination to use filibusters has stymied President Bush's nomination of John Bolton as UN ambassador. The Senate fell short of forcing a vote on Bolton's nomination, with 54 senators voting for cloture and 38 against. The White House is now considering its next moves, including the possibility of a recess appointment. The Senate Democrats' refusal to hand over documents related to Bolton's nomination, including his role in drafting a speech on Syria and information from intelligence intercepts, has been a major point of contention.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate failed to confirm John Bolton as UN ambassador, with 54 senators voting for cloture and 38 against.
  • The vote was seen as a test of the Senate Republicans' ability to overcome Democratic filibusters.
  • Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) stated that the vote was really about the Bush administration's refusal to hand over documents related to Bolton's nomination.
  • White House spokesman Scott McClellan questioned the Senate Democrats' motives, stating that they were simply blocking the nomination to obstruct progress on reform at the United Nations.
  • President Bush may consider a recess appointment to appoint Bolton as UN ambassador, which would last until late next year.
  • Secretary Pat Roberts (R-KS) spoke out against a recess appointment, urging people to take a closer look at the national interests and consider the potential consequences.
  • Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) also warned against a recess appointment, stating that it would send a weakened individual to the UN.

Statistics:

  • 54 senators voted for cloture, while 38 voted against.
  • The vote was a shortfall for Senate Republican Majority Leader Bill Frist, who had previously tried to break the filibuster.
  • 19 Americans were mentioned in intelligence intercepts reviewed by Bolton, which the White House has refused to supply to the Senate.
  • The dropped vote has left the White House considering its next steps, including a possibility of a recess appointment.

Sources:

  • "Senate Fails to Confirm John Bolton as UN Ambassador" by NPR News, no publication date.
  • Statement by Senator Joseph Biden, no publication date.
  • Statement by White House spokesman Scott McClellan, no publication date.
  • Statement by Senator Christopher Dodd, no publication date.
  • Statement by Secretary Pat Roberts, no publication date.