SASC Reports Out DNFSB Nominees

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) yesterday reported out the nominations of Joyce Connery and Joseph Hamilton to be members of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB). Confirmation of the two would free up DNFSB Vice Chairwoman Jessie Roberson to be confirmed for her nominated position—commissioner on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.  Connery’s and Hamilton’s nominations were put on indefinite hold last month, and Roberson is required to stay at DNFSB until either or both of them are confirmed, because DNFSB requires a minimum of three members, of which Roberson is one. Roberson awaits confirmation by the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works. It is unclear when the full Senate will hold confirmation votes for Connery and Hamilton.

SASC also approved the nominations of Adm. John Richardson to be Chief of Naval Operations, and Lt. Gen. Robert Neller to rise to the rank of General and be Commandant of the Marine Corps.