Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) ends things after one round of questions without objection. “It’s critical to get you in place” before the Easter congressional recess, he tells Chris Hill. “People need to review this record today and expedite the nomination this week.” Kerry says Hill has “shown today why you’re the right man [for the job] and why you’re qualified,” praising Hill’s “candor” and his “comprehensive answers.”
No GOP Senators on the panel appeared dissatisfied with Hill’s answers on North Korea. Certainly none pledged opposition to his nomination, or joined with the idea floated by Brownback to hold him in place. My next phone call is to Brownback’s office, to see if anything Hill said swayed the Senator.
I’ll have a wrap-up piece later today.