McCain releases hold on nominees

An impasse that has stalled Senate consideration of presidential nominations has ended, according to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, who has been blocking the president's nominees.

"I have no more objections," McCain said Thursday.

Soon after McCain said he was lifting his hold, the Senate prepared to act on 15 nominations.

McCain said he had agreed to allow nominations to move after receiving assurances from the White House that the president will provide a recess appointment to Ellen Weintraub, whom Majority Leader Daschle has recommended for a seat on the Federal Election Commission, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

McCain said the administration would make the appointment once Weintraub's background check is completed, which could take four to six weeks. If the appointment does not occur during the August recess, McCain said it would occur in October, when Congress will either recess or adjourn.

McCain said Weintraub's nomination would move along with that of Michael Toner, who currently serves on the FEC and was a Republican appointee. McCain said he had received no written commitment to the understanding, but he was told the president approved.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said he intends to link Weintraub's appointment to movement on judges. It was not known as of Thursday evening whether McConnell had signed off on any arrangement, although he has said he will probably support Weintraub.