Classified documents on Bolton stay secret

Looks like the boss from hell will get his promotion.

Published May 26, 2005 3:07PM (EDT)

The likely-future United Nations ambassador, better known as the boss-from-hell, may be confirmed as soon as tonight.

At 6 p.m. this evening, senators will vote on whether to end the debate on John Bolton's nomination, according to the Washington Post, even though Democrats are still waiting for classified documents about Bolton's controversial work history, which the Bush administration has refused to release:

"Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) said he and his allies are not trying to prevent an eventual confirmation vote, but have no other way to pressure the administration and demonstrate the Senate's displeasure over the records impasse, reported the Post.

"Dodd urged Republicans to vote to continue the debate until the documents are released, even if they plan to support Bolton's confirmation. 'The opportunity to avoid this altogether is in the hands of the administration,' he said.

"If today's 'cloture vote' draws at least 60 senators, debate will end and the Senate will immediately vote on Bolton's nomination, confirmation of which would require a simple majority in the 100-member chamber. Republicans hold 55 seats. If the cloture vote falls short of 60, senators will start a week-long recess and resume the Bolton debate next month."

The Senate foreign relations committee has refused to back Bolton's nomination. And as recently as Tuesday, Ohio Republican Sen. Voinovich has continued to voice strenuous objections to his confirmation, encouraging his Republicans colleagues to reconsider. But it looks like Bolton will become U.N. Ambassador Bolton. Now, it's just a question of sooner or later.


By Katharine Mieszkowski

Katharine Mieszkowski is a senior writer for Salon.

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