Erin Conaton Confirmed as Air Force Under Secretary

The Senate finally confirmed Erin Conaton as the new Air Force Under Secretary. Her nomination and those of other Pentagon nominees had been blocked by Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) because of the aerial refueling tanker controversy according to Congress Daily (subscription required). Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) threatened a procedural move that would have required Senator Shelby and other Senators blocking Pentagon nominations to explain their “holds” on the Senate floor so the holds were released, Congress Daily reported. Conaton’s was one of several Pentagon nominations approved tonight.