Menendez Blocks Two Biden Nominees Amid Border Security Negotiations

The move, citing a lack of responsiveness from the administration, derails a plan to fast track the confirmations before the holiday recess.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., blocked the nominations of Basil Gooden for USDA undersecretary of rural development and Summer Mersinger for a commissioner role with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Menendez's office cited a 'lack of responsiveness' from the Biden administration on border security negotiations as the reason for the block.
The move derailed a plan to fast track confirming the two by voice vote in the Senate before lawmakers departed Washington, D.C., for the holiday recess.
Menendez is currently facing charges in connection to an alleged corruption scheme to benefit the Egyptian government, including accepting bribes in the form of cash and gold bars.
Some have speculated that Menendez's actions may be a form of retribution against Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow, who was the first member of the Senate Democratic leadership to demand Menendez’s resignation following his indictment.