Huge Number Of D.C. Agency Vacancies Because Congress Hasn’t Voted On Them
[su_right_ad]The governmental body that takes more vacation than President Obama–that would be Congress–has not acted on scores of nominations that are getting in the way of the government operating. And it’s only going to get worse as the administration winds down and top people head for the exits.
At the Homeland Security Department, Obama has no Senate-confirmed policy chief in place to handle terrorism and cybersecurity threats and the immigration crisis on the southern U.S. border. Obama wants to act on climate change, but the Environmental Protection Agency is missing several of the political leaders needed to shepherd regulations through a demanding process with tight scrutiny from industry, environmentalists, other federal agencies and the White House’s own budget crunchers. And the scandal-plagued Department of Veterans Affairs is hesitant to make some big new policy changes until it gets a fresh batch of political leaders.
More than 220 nominees are still awaiting Senate confirmation to fill vacancies across the administration, and a senior Democratic aide said Majority Leader Harry Reid is planning to force floor votes on a “good number” of them before the November election. Still, the openings are sure to grow as more staffers make their strategically timed exits through D.C.’s revolving door while the cachet of having Obama-related experience still means something on a résumé.
It’s a painful reality check for the president — and one that would only grow worse if Republicans win control of the Senate. Back in early 2009, he had the cream of the Democratic crop gunning to work for him. Now, as Obama relies more on federal agencies to bypass Congress and help secure his legacy, he’ll be lucky if his second, third or even fourth stringers are on the clock.[su_csky_ad]
Red Eye Robot September 9th, 2014 at 10:57 am
I love the first line, “The governmental body that takes more vacation than President Obama–that would be Congress”… Two weeks ago you guys were saying Obama needed vacations to clear his mind. Apparently Congress doesn’t need a clear mind.
Why does congress need to act? Everything is great! you guys were just boasting unemployment was down to 6.1% , the economy is growing. Osama bin Laden is dead and GM is alive, People love Obamacare. It’s time to kick back and relax.
mea_mark September 9th, 2014 at 11:21 am
You don’t think we could do better if the vacancies were filled? This is nothing but republican obstructionism designed to make the democrats look bad. The only problem is, that it is hurting all of America. The republicans are acting like mean school yard bullies. They should be made to stay after school/session and make up for what they have/have not done.
Red Eye Robot September 12th, 2014 at 3:44 pm
there are 290 bills passed by the House sitting on Harry Reid’s desk. Many with broad bipartisan support. Sounds like these problems all lie squarely at the feet of the Senate majority leader. Maybe if he mas time between floor speeches about the Koch brothers…
Obewon September 9th, 2014 at 11:21 am
hy·poc·ri·sy (noun) – Hypocrites teabagg America but refuse to confirm a DHS Homeland Security Department policy chief in place to handle terrorism and cybersecurity threats
William September 9th, 2014 at 11:45 am
Yeah..and…and….BENGHAZI.
Obewon September 9th, 2014 at 11:36 am
Yay for the nuclear option advice and consent! Leader Harry Reid is planning to force floor votes on many of the 220+ obstructed vacancies before the November election.
mea_mark September 9th, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Great timing, call out the republicans on their obstructionism right before the elections. I hope it swings a good percentage of the moderates to the democrats side.