Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010--Continued

Floor Speech

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Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I will have a unanimous-consent request that has been cleared on both sides. This is a unanimous-consent request about a nomination that has been on the calendar since September 27, which was reported out of the Armed Services Committee by Senators LEVIN and MCCAIN--reported out unanimously--for the promotion of BG Michael J. Walsh.

On October 27, it was determined that the Armed Services Committee agreed with the President for the recommended promotion for the second star for this soldier. It has regrettably been held up; there has been a hold on it since late last year. I have been to the floor several times asking unanimous consent that this nomination for General Walsh be approved.

Our colleague, Senator Vitter, from Louisiana, has been upset with the Corps of Engineers for other reasons and has held this nomination for a period of time now. It has been about 7 months. I have indicated on the floor how unfair I think it is to hold the nomination of a promotion of a soldier who has served this country for 30 years. He has gone to war for this country. I know this soldier. He has done an extraordinary job. On a unanimous vote, the Armed Services Committee decided he should be promoted. But month after month, it has sat on this calendar because of the objection of one Senator.

My understanding is now the Senator has released the hold as of today. I indicated yesterday I would be on the floor today to ask unanimous consent once again. This morning, it is my understanding that the Senator from Louisiana released his hold.

Following yielding to Senator Levin, the chairman of the committee that moved this nomination out--and, by the way, who has also been on the floor and asked unanimous consent to move this nomination--if appropriate, I
would allow him to say a few words, and then I will ask unanimous consent to move the nomination. I ask unanimous consent that Senator Levin be recognized, following which I will move the nomination by consent.

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