ALBANY—Senator Kisten Gillibrand is calling for two Republican colleagues to remove their hold on the confirmation of John McHugh to be secretary of the Army.
McHugh cleared a senate committee earlier this month, but the body recessed until September without acting on his nomination after Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts placed a hold on several administration appointments. In a letter to both, Gillibrand wrote, "our men and women in uniform should not be deprived of the critical leadership provided by the Secretary of the Army."
McHugh's expected resignation, upon his confirmation, is needed to officially start a special election in the North Country. It is expected that election will fall on November 3.
Here's the full text of Gillibrand's letter:
August 12, 2009
Honorable Sam Brownback
United States Senate
303 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Honorable Pat Roberts
United States Senate
109 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senators Brownback and Roberts:
I am writing to respectfully request that you allow the United States Senate to vote on the nomination of Hon. John McHugh, to serve as Secretary of the Army. In this critical time, our men and women in uniform should not be deprived of the critical leadership provided by the Secretary of the Army. I had the privilege of serving with Congressman McHugh on the House Armed Services Committee and believe that he is uniquely qualified to serve and to lead the Army during this time of challenge and opportunity.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman McHugh provided strong leadership in providing for the well-being and safety of our troops and their families as they carry out their fundamental mission of keeping America safe. He had the distinction of representing the men and women of Fort Drum in the United States House of Representatives, and proved to be a faithful and dedicated advocate on their behalf. I have every confidence that he will bring the same leadership and determination to benefit all Army families across the United States.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter, and for your leadership in the United States Senate. I look forward to continuing to work together with you to strengthen our Armed Services and provide for the security of our country. I hope that you will reconsider your hold as it is in the best interest of the Army as a whole and of our nation's security to swiftly confirm Congressman McHugh's nomination as soon as the Senate returns from August recess.
Sincerely,
Kirsten E. Gillibrand
