Power to block nomination in Rubio’s hands
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio stands as the biggest potential roadblock to Rex Tillerson’s confirmation as the next secretary of state. And at yesterday’s confirmation hearing, the Florida Republican gave Tillerson reason to worry.
“Is Vladimir Putin a war criminal?” Rubio asked Tillerson squarely, early in what would be eight hours of questioning before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“I woudn’t use that term,” Tillerson responded.
That set off a series of tense exchanges between the former Exxon Mobil CEO and the onetime GOP presidential candidate, whose vote could send Tillerson’s bid into a death spiral.
Republicans hold just a one-person majority on the committee, which is tasked with advancing Tillerson’s nomination to the full Senate with a favorable vote, unfavorable vote or no recommendation. It can also decline to advance the nomination at all, quickly sinking Tillerson’s nomination — an unlikely outcome.
But even if Rubio joins committee Democrats in an unfavorable finding, that could be enough to deepen the apprehension of other Senate Republicans who have expressed concerns about Tillerson’s views and ties to Russia, including Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and James Lankford of Oklahoma. With the GOP holding only a 52-seat majority in the Senate, Tillerson’s confirmation is hardly a lock.
High-profile Tillerson backers, including former Vice President Dick Cheney, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, have been quietly lobbying Rubio on Tillerson’s behalf. But it seemed clear yesterday Rubio is far from convinced.
“Do you believe China is one the world’s worst human rights violators?” Rubio asked Tillerson, citing its 1,400 reported political prisoners.
“China has serious human rights violations, but relative to categorizing it against other nations, I would have to have more information,” Tillerson said. It didn’t seem strong enough for Rubio.
Tillerson defended himself, saying: “I share all the same values that you share and want the same things for people in the world over in terms of freedoms.”
Tillerson will learn if that’s enough for Rubio next week when the committee votes.