David Vitter Agrees To Lift Hold On FEMA Nominee

WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed President Barack Obama's pick to head the nation's emergency management agency Tuesday after a Louisiana Republican agreed to stop blocking the vote amid bipartisan criticism that the agency was left vulnerable with hurricane season just a few weeks away.

Craig Fugate took over the Federal Emergency Management Agency on a voice vote by the Senate. A former Florida emergency management chief, he had garnered broad bipartisan support.

Sen. David Vitter had put a hold on confirming Fugate until FEMA officials provided answers on several lingering questions involving Hurricane Katrina rebuilding.

The delay won support from some local officials and the Louisiana Floodplain Management Association, who want FEMA to take a second look at parts of southern Louisiana that have been labeled high-risk flood zones ineligible for rebuilding funds.

With hurricane season starting June 1, Vitter was drawing growing criticism from groups such as International Association of Emergency Managers and the American Red Cross, as well as Republican lawmakers and the White House. The tactic also had become an issue in Vitter's 2010 re-election bid, with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee accusing him of recklessly using the issue to draw attention to his campaign.

Under Senate rules, any senator can place what's known as a "hold" on a presidential nomination. The hold doesn't kill the nomination, but it can delay confirmation for weeks or longer by forcing time-consuming votes.

After meeting with FEMA officials last week, Vitter agreed to relent if he got written confirmation that the agency is working in good faith to resolve his concerns, and that FEMA would keep him updated at least every two weeks until the issues are resolved.

In a letter Monday, acting FEMA administrator Nancy Ward said the agency would work toward finding a "reasonable resolution" with him and other Louisiana lawmakers who have expressed concerns. She stopped short of committing to the state's requests, however.

"We understand that prompt action is necessary due to the impact that delays can have on affected individuals and communities," Ward wrote. But, "the need for quick action must be balanced with the need for FEMA to follow the laws written by Congress, as well as its own regulations."

Vitter, who has pressed specifically for rebuilding several community facilities in the small barrier island of Grand Isle, La., said Tuesday that Ward's assurances were enough to break the impasse.

"I'm very confident based on their written commitment that the ... issue will be solved soon so that crucial infrastructure and facilities can be rebuilt," he said in a statement. "I look forward to working with the new FEMA administrator on that and much more."

Comments

[oscartucker]

Vitter wants the promise of rebuilding on a barrier island?! I hope some buildings are replaced, BUT barrier islands can be hit HARD every time if strong hurricanes come through.

[FR]

I guess someone did some polling for Vitter ...

[HST]

Vitter diapers were full and he had to go. What is it about competent experienced people that just inspires Republican opposition?

[grey sells]

So how does Vitter's stalling relate to democracy?

[IllinoisTexan43]

It just goes to show how powerfully delusional republicans are. For the life of me, why would someone with Vitter's background(eww!) want to even show his face in public? These folks have absolutely no shame whatsoever. Then again, LA's 2010 primaries are going to be fun to watch!!

[mharg11]

With the possibility of strong winds breathing down N.O.'s neck in a few days or weeks, he and his supporters stopped the BS. It appears that his strong push should have been directed at his parties leader before he left the WH. The guy from texas left them high and dry in N.O. You see he has no conpassion for the hurricane victoms over the last few weeks. He didn't care if FEMA was available to any of them, did he?

[Ron1951]

headline should be: Vitter releases hold on prostitute!

[WinterParkMom]

It's amazing that he didn't have these "concerns" with the previous fema head. It's amazing that these concerns were never uttered until it was an Obama nomination.

He is an absolute disgrace to our government and I hope Louisianans get their head out of their butts and vote in capable democratic representatives to be their voices in Washington.

[Jim Knight]

How does one Senator have the power to block a presidential nomination, particularly one that is in the minority. Not to mention that he is an immoral hypocrite.

[dwright]

as well as a no lipped grand stander

[bluerednot]

Vitter is truly worthless - actually less than worthless since he simply gets in the way of common sense.

However, the idea that general guidelines on flood plain & rebuilding protocol could create some difficulty in southern Louisiana does not come as a surprise since a good portion of the area has always stood on boggy land, reclaimed land or land that gets washed over ever 5 or 6 years - If it is true that the certain unrealistic standards are being imposed, it would not be a shock.... and maybe, in light of the unique circumstance ( like the fact that this is the reality for this area - and has been this way since before the Louisianan Purchase) there should be some flexibility --- don't totally abandon the rules but work to find a reasonable compromise.
Now the really big question for Senator Trouser Viper - What were you saying and doing about this when Bush was President? Why did it become a "cause " for you now?

[Petey131]

Did Vitter finally get some?

[dwright]

not by the look on his face he didn't

[Dace]

I guess he needed to go get more whores.

[sasidechick]

I would like written confirmation from Vetter that he no longer pays prostitutes for s e x.

[KOisGod]

I understand why republican's hate the federal govt.

Because they've tried to run it, and absolutely sux at it.

[Json]

The republican mantra is "Government doesn't work. Elect us and we will prove it!"

[koalaholik]

That's one campaign promise they kept.

[SoccerNana]

"His delay won support from some local officials and the Louisiana Floodplain Management Association, who want FEMA to take a second look at parts of southern Louisiana that have been labeled high-risk flood zones ineligible for rebuilding funds."

Why didn't he ask these questions when the former FEMA leader and former administration was in DC? Why isn't Vitter in jail for buying something that is as illegal as marijuana?

Vitter-the­-one-who-d­id-her is roaming around free after buying sex and the seller went to trial. How about that? And he wants to "question" someone and want "assurances"?

[Ldyandrea]

Not to mention, how exactly does holding up the confirmation help you in terms of getting answers or work done within that department that will actually help you? Very short-sighted.

[wmholt]

That was my question, too. Shouldn't he let the appointment go through and then work to get his questions answered?