Brownback Threatens to Put a Hold on Hill

Brownback, who spearheaded the letter, said in an interview that he is considering placing a hold on the nomination. Such a move could stall action indefinitely. In addition to his criticisms of Hill’s experience and qualifications, Brownback also questioned the nominee’s credibility with Congress, referring to promises Hill made to him regarding North Korea last year. At a July hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hill, as the chief negotiator for the six-party talks, promised Brownback he would elevate the human rights issue in bilateral discussions and invite Jay Lefkowitz, the State Department’s special envoy for North Korean human rights, to all future negotiations with the North Koreans. In exchange, Brownback lifted his hold on the nomination of Kathleen Stephens to become ambassador to South Korea. Neither promise was kept, Brownback said. “I had a direct statement made to me in open hearing and nothing happened,” he said.