On a day when President Obama struck a blow for truth-based science by reversing his predecessor’s restrictions on stem cell research, it’s unfortunate to report that two of Obama’s top science advisors remain in limbo as anonymous Senate holds slow their confirmation.
I reported on Friday that John Holdren, nominated to become chief White House science adviser, and Jane Lubchenco, nominated to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, were being slowed by multiple GOP objections. But TPMDC is on the case quizzing potential culprits, and we can rule out two likely suspects: Sens. David Vitter (R-LA) and Mel Martinez (R-FL), both members of the Commerce Committee with jurisdiction over the nominees.
A Martinez spokesman confirmed today that he has no hold on Holdren and Lubchenco, while Vitter told me that “I’ve expressed concerns about Dr. Holdren in particular, but I do not have a hold.”
The search continues …
Late Update: To answer those wondering about Sen. Robert Menendez’s (D-NJ) reported hold on Holdren and Lubchenco, per the WaPo, his spokesman confirmed on Friday that Menendez is not standing in the nominees’ way as of now. Other unnamed senators still are holding them, however, according to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV).
