Posted 12/21/2023, 11:02:18 PM
Menendez Blocks USDA, CFTC Nominees Over Border Security Funding Frustrations
- Sen. Menendez blocked Senate confirmation of two ag-related nominees (Basil Gooden for USDA role and Summer Mersinger for CFTC) at the last minute before the Senate left for holidays
- Menendez did so to protest Biden administration's "lack of responsiveness" to him and Congressional Hispanic Caucus in talks over border security funding
- Some saw it as retribution against Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who called for Menendez's resignation after his federal indictment on corruption charges
- Menendez denies his block of nominations relates to Stabenow and says he wanted to show "dissatisfaction" with administration on border issues
- The blocked nominees will now likely have to wait months more to be confirmed