1.25.2005
Byrd, Boxer Line Up for Anti-war Speeches (USATODAY.com)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Condoleezza Rice is no longer on a fast track to Senate confirmation as secretary of state, but the slowdown appears to be temporary as Democratic foes of the war in Iraq line up to have their say.
Nine hours have been set aside Tuesday for debate, divided equally between Democrats and Republicans. On Wednesday, a brief series of statements is expected — and then the vote to put her in charge of U.S. diplomacy.
"We are talking about the safety and security of this country, so I very much and very quickly want to move with Secretary Rice," Senate Republican leader Bill Frist of Tennessee said. He said he was disappointed by the delay and was confident the Senate would confirm her on Wednesday.
President Bush's decision to go to war with Iraq in March 2003 and postwar violence that is taking a rising toll of U.S. casualties are the main causes of the slowdown. Rice was supposed to be confirmed last week, but Democratic critics insisted on an opportunity to air their views on the Senate floor.
Two Democratic opponents of the war, Sens. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia and Barbara Boxer of California, have booked an hour each to speak, with eight other Democrats due to weigh in with briefer speeches.
(More ... USATODAY.com - Byrd, Boxer line up for anti-war speeches) ¶ 19:22
Nine hours have been set aside Tuesday for debate, divided equally between Democrats and Republicans. On Wednesday, a brief series of statements is expected — and then the vote to put her in charge of U.S. diplomacy.
"We are talking about the safety and security of this country, so I very much and very quickly want to move with Secretary Rice," Senate Republican leader Bill Frist of Tennessee said. He said he was disappointed by the delay and was confident the Senate would confirm her on Wednesday.
President Bush's decision to go to war with Iraq in March 2003 and postwar violence that is taking a rising toll of U.S. casualties are the main causes of the slowdown. Rice was supposed to be confirmed last week, but Democratic critics insisted on an opportunity to air their views on the Senate floor.
Two Democratic opponents of the war, Sens. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia and Barbara Boxer of California, have booked an hour each to speak, with eight other Democrats due to weigh in with briefer speeches.
(More ... USATODAY.com - Byrd, Boxer line up for anti-war speeches) ¶ 19:22
