LeMieux's move to block State Department official is criticized by a fellow GOP'er

Indiana Republican Sen. Richard Lugar to be exact. The ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said today he'd like to see the Senate "swiftly" confirm Tom Shannon as ambassador to Brazil.

But Florida Sen. George LeMieux, who met with Shannon today, has blocked his confirmation for at least another week while he waits for him to answer some questions.

"I am concerned that unnecessary delays in confirming this outstanding and highly regarded career diplomat are beginning to impede our ability to work with Brazil on pressing regional issues, such as the resolution of the crisis in Honduras," Lugar said in a press release applauding the confirmation of  another State Department official. "Coordination on regional matters is in the interests of our two countries and the region."

Comments

[londonchica]

While Tom Shannon is a fine diplomat, Sen. Lemieux is right to force the Administration to explain clearly its policies on Cuba. If this is the only way to accomplish it, so be it.