Senate Takes Up Nominations

Republicans lavished praise on yet another Democrat today as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee took up former House Speaker Tom Foley's nomination to be ambassador to Japan.

East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., began by calling Foley an "esteemed and distinguished" former colleague, while Sen. Slade Gorton, R-Wash., called Foley "for many years the number one citizen of the state that I represent."

House Judiciary Chairman Henry Hyde, R-Ill., also appeared on Foley's behalf, telling the Senate committee he was "exultant" when he heard of the nomination "because I don't know anyone who has as much esteem, respect and affection and knowledge about this very sensitive assignment, particularly in these days, than Tom Foley."

Committee members were scheduled to meet this afternoon to take action on several nominations, including those of Rep. Thomas Foglietta, D-Pa., to become ambassador to Italy and former Rep. Corrine (Lindy) Boggs, D-La., to become ambassador to the Vatican.