Hold on FEMA nominee lifted

Sen. David Vitter, R-La., is lifting a hold that had been blocking confirmation of Craig Fugate to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Vitter put a hold on the nomination until FEMA officials answered lingering questions about rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

Aside from Vitter, Fugate has broad bipartisan support and is expected to be quickly confirmed. With hurricane season set to start June 1, Vitter had faced bipartisan criticism that the hold was leaving the agency vulnerable at a crucial time of year.

Vitter announced his action in a letter Tuesday morning to acting FEMA Administrator Nancy Word.