NEWS 28 - Karen Basett, President Laylin's nominee for Director of the Jesstopian Aviation Safety Administration, is set to face a confirmation vote in the Senate next Friday. Only one Republican is currently likely to vote against her confirmation. That is embattled outgoing Senator Joey Rigg.
"I think that Basett possesses very limited knowledge on aviation topics, and that knowledge will limit her ability to investigate aviation crashes and incidents," said Senator Joey Rigg. "We must ensure that we are consistent with who we let lead the Jesstopian Aviation Safety Administration. I don't think Republicans will support her nomination for JASA director."
President Jay Laylin issued the following statement regarding Senator Rigg's skepticism about her nomination. In it, he issued a stern warning to Republicans, about the mandate he was elected to.
"I just want to reiterate we received a mandate to ensure our government works for the Jesstopian people in all facets of our role. That includes Aviation safety. Basett has served in the Department of Transportation and as a lead investigator on the Jesstopian Aviation Safety Administration," read the President's statement. "I'd say she is more than qualified for the job. Senator Rigg is set to leave Congress disgraced, and is trying to damage the administration on his way out."
He also warned of the upcoming election and ensuring that voters support the Republicans in their attempt to gain control of one or more chambers of Congress, as they seek to end the unilateral control of Jesstopia's Congress, a unilateral control they held since the founding of Jesstopia in 1806.
"He is the only Republican Senator to be likely to vote against her nomination. Go figure," continued the President's statement. "I remind Senate Republicans that we have a major election coming up and a mandate from the Jesstopian people to fill the Federal Government with officials who support our administrative goals. Let this be a warning for all Republicans who plan on voting against her nomination."
Senate Minority Leader Harry Rodham said that he was working to rally Senate Republicans around Basett's nomination as the Senate prepares to vote on her confirmation next Friday.
"I really hope that our caucus remembers we are in the minority, and we need to support the President's nominations to make our government more efficient, to provide safer skies for Jesstopians, and to ensure the right people are in office," said Minority Leader Harry Rodham. "I have been working to rally Senators around Karen Basett. We will get her confirmed."