Still on Hold

Deborah James’ nomination to be Air Force Secretary is still in a holding pattern. That’s because Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is delaying the confirmation process for nominees that President Obama has selected to fill senior Administration posts until the White House allows the survivors of the deadly September 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, to testify before Congress. A Senate Armed Services Committee staff member confirmed to the Daily Report on Nov. 15 that Graham’s hold does extend to James. There’s also the rumor that another hold on James’ nomination may materialize over a senator’s concern about ICBM issues. The SASC official knew about the rumor, but was not aware of any other hold being in place at this time. Obama tapped James in August to lead the Air Force. For more on the nomination, read Meet the New Boss from the Aperture section of Air Force Magazine’s November issue.