When I first saw the headline that Senator Richard Shelby (R-Al) was holding up Obama’s nominations, I admit it put a little spring in my step. The one I thought of at the time is nomination of Craig Becker, who would back door card check. So I wasn’t opposed. Then I read the story and thought Shelby embodies what’s wrong with politics today, and both parties.
TPM: According to the report, Shelby is holding Obama’s nominees hostage until a pair of lucrative programs that would send billions in taxpayer dollars to his home state get back on track. The two programs Shelby wants to move forward or else:
- A $40 billion contract to build air-to-air refueling tankers. From CongressDaily: “Northrop/EADS team would build the planes in Mobile, Ala., but has threatened to pull out of the competition unless the Air Force makes changes to a draft request for proposals.” Federal Times offers more details on the tanker deal, and also confirms its connection to the hold.
- An improvised explosive device testing lab for the FBI. From CongressDaily: “[Shelby] is frustrated that the Obama administration won’t build” the center, which Shelby earmarked $45 million for in 2008. The center is due to be based “at the Army’s Redstone Arsenal.”
Though a Shelby spokesperson would not confirm that these programs were behind the blanket hold, the Senator expressed his frustration about the progress on both through a spokesperson to both CongressDaily and the Federal Times.
That’s right, Big R Republican Richard Shelby is holding up nominations to protect earmarks.
Speaking of Alabama politics, who knew things were so racy down there?
