WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate confirmation of John Bolton as envoy to the United Nations has again hit a roadblock because of stand taken by Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee, R-R.I.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Richard Lugar, R-Ind., Thursday called off a confirmation vote for Bolton after Chafee said he could support the diplomat only after the Bush administration answers questions on Middle East policy, reports The Washington Post. Lugar's decision was designed to avoid the likelihood of a tie in his 18-member committee.
Bolton has been holding his U.N. post on a temporary basis because he was named to the post by U.S. President George Bush during a Senate recess.
Chafee had earlier supported Bolton's nomination, the Post said. The administration resubmitted Bolton's name to the Senate committee after Sen. George V. Voinovich, R-Ohio, agreed to withdraw his earlier opposition.
Chafee is facing a tough re-election bid, the Post reported. The senator is being challenged in next Tuesday's Republican primary Stephen Laffey.
