by Chris Bodenner
"Detaining nominees to top Defense posts does not make the country safer. The most senior nominee in limbo is Rep. John M. McHugh, New York Republican, who is slated to be the next secretary of the Army. Also blocked are Joseph Westphal, who is up for undersecretary of the Army, and Juan Garcia as assistant secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). The hold effectively pushes back these confirmations until Congress reconvenes in early September. There is no reason to believe these nominees wouldn't have been confirmed otherwise. Denying their talents to a nation at war is not the right way for senators [Brownback and Roberts] to register discontent with President Obama's policy direction," - Washington Times.