South Carolina Democrats have wasted no time attacking Sen. Jim DeMint for blocking the confirmation of Erroll Southers to be administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, suggesting his moves have threatened the lives of “millions of American travelers.”
DeMint (R-SC) had placed a hold on the vote to confirm Southers because he wanted to debate the nomination instead of approve it under unanimous consent.
Democratic leadership will vote on the nomination when they return from recess next month.
A press release issued this afternoon by the South Carolina Democrats says DeMint’s delay tactic “quite possibly threatens the lives of millions of American travelers” and leaves TSA “without a leader at the very time skilled leadership is needed most.”
The state party also criticized Rep. Joe Wilson of “You Lie” fame for voting against the spending measure that funds airport screening and dangerous materials detection.
“As usual, Jim DeMint has resorted to posturing, stall tactics and hiding behind senseless rhetoric instead of doing the job his constituents elected him to do,” South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Carol Fowler said in a statement. “There’s no logical reason for Senator DeMint to hold up Mr. Southers’ nomination; the Senator’s lame explanation leads us to believe that he thinks labor unions are a bigger threat to American citizens than Al Qaeda. It’s time for Republicans like Jim DeMint and Joe Wilson to stop playing politics with our country’s safety.”
