President Bush on Monday accepted the resignation of John Bolton, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, whose nomination was blocked by newly empowered Senate Democrats.
“I am deeply disappointed that a handful of United States senators prevented Ambassador Bolton from receiving the up or down vote he deserved in the Senate,” Bush said. “They chose to obstruct his confirmation, even though he enjoys majority support in the Senate, and even though their tactics will disrupt our diplomatic work at a sensitive and important time.
“This stubborn obstructionism ill serves our country, and discourages men and women of talent from serving their nation,” he said.
Although most of Bolton’s detractors were Democrats, he has also been hamstrung by key Republicans since Bush first nominated him in March 2005. For example, Bolton was initially opposed by Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, a member of the Senate Foreign RelationsCommittee.
As a result, the committee refrained from making any recommendation on Bolton when it sent his nomination to the full Senate, where it was filibustered by Democrats.
So the president made a recess appointment of Bolton, who eventually won over Voinovich’s support. But when it came time for Bush to reappoint Bolton, the move was blocked by another Republican, Sen. Lincoln Chaffee of Rhode Island, also a member of the Foreign Relations Committee.
Chaffee was defeated in last month’s election and is wrapping up his Senate service this month. His opposition, along with the Democratic takeover of the Senate, effectively doomed Bolton’s chances of remaining at the U.N.
“After careful consideration, I have concluded that my service in your administration should end when the current recess appointment expires,” Bolton wrote to Bush.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., hailed Bolton’s exit. “Hopefully this change marks a shift from the failed, go-it-alone strategies that have left America less safe,” he said.
But Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., expressed disappointment in the resignation. “I am troubled that a public servant of his caliber has been refused the opportunity to continue his service to our nation,” he said.
