Senate Dems chide Republicans for blocking Obama’s EPA nominee

{mosads}Boxer said McCarthy was the “poster child” of bipartisanship and the best-qualified person for the job. Republicans have been blocking President Obama’s nominee because they disagree with his policy position on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

“The president has his policies and you don’t have to agree with them or you can — I do,” Boxer said on the Senate floor Monday evening. “But somebody has to run the EPA. If you have a problem with those policies you’re going to need someone who is wise to talk to about those concerns.”

Boxer added that this is the longest the EPA has gone without an administrator. Some Democrats have called on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to use the “nuclear option” — changing the rules on a simple-majority vote — if Republicans continue to block Obama’s cabinet nominees.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Boxers’ calls, saying it’s “disappointing” how Republicans are acting.

“Blocking a vote on her nomination is disappointing and counterproductive,” Blumenthal said. “The president couldn’t have picked a more qualified person to lead the EPA at this time.”