At a hearing today of the Senate Homeland Security committee, Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, announced that he’s placed a hold on the nomination of Rafael Borras, President Barack Obama’s nominee for DHS undersecretary for management.
I have a hold on Mr. Borras… I do not believe that individual is qualified to take this very, very important position that’s now being held by [Elaine Duke].
Elaine Duke, of course, is the current undersecretary for management. She was appointed by former President George W. Bush, but the law that created the position also allows the USM to stay in office until a replacement is confirmed.
Borras was nominated in July, and the committee approved his nomination in October, despite concerns over past tax problems, and criticism from Republicans who said Borras wasn’t qualified for the job.
Senators can privately place holds on nominees; it’s somewhat rare for a senator to announce it publicly, though. Voinovich said he had no intention of lifting the hold.
