The latest development: Senator Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican, has sent a letter to Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the judiciary committee, asking that the consideration of her nomination be delayed because "the record currently available to the Committee" is "incomplete." And what would fix this problem? Learning more about the questions he posed to Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano regarding former ICE agent Cory Voorhis, among other things.
In a blog published earlier today about another Villafuerte-related letter, this one penned by Representative Mike Coffman, I wrote, "The pressure continues to build." Now, multiply that by about ten.
Read the Sessions letter below:
The Honorable Patrick J. Leahy Chairman Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510Dear Chairman Leahy:
I write regarding the nomination of Stephanie Villafuerte for U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado. I have reviewed the totality of the record currently available to the Committee and believe that it is incomplete. I am aware that our staffs are working to ensure completeness of the record before the nomination can be further considered by the Committee.
During yesterday's hearing on oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, I questioned Secretary Napolitano regarding the termination of Denver-based Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Cory Voorhis. The Voorhis matter came to my attention after press reports linked Mr. Voorhis' termination and Ms. Villafuerte's work for Governor Bill Ritter's gubernatorial campaign.
Accordingly, I ask that you not include Ms. Villafuerte's nomination on the Committee's agenda before her record is complete for the Committee's purposes and Secretary Napolitano responds to my request to look into the Voorhis matter. I look forward to continuing to work with you on this nomination.
Very truly yours,
Jeff Sessions Ranking Member
