Senate, White House make deal on nominees

WASHINGTON, March 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate Democrats and the White House Friday reached an agreement to move on a number of President Bush's nominees, officials said.

In exchange for Bush's assistance in moving five Democratic nominees onto federal agencies and boards, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., agreed to act on 40 Republican nominees, The Hill reported.

"I am pleased we were able to reach an agreement to confirm nominees early this morning (Friday)," Reid said.

The Senate confirmed dozens of executive branch nominees Friday, and Democrats were confirmed to posts on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, Amtrak, and other boards.