Controversial nomination at DHS goes to Senate floor

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/controversial-nomination-at-department-of-homeland-security-goes-to-senate-floor/2013/12/11/6e931aea-628e-11e3-a373-0f9f2d1c2b61_story.html?tid=hpModule_14fd66a0-9199-11e2-bdea-e32ad90da239

Republicans on the homeland security panel objected to the vote because of an ongoing inquiry into Mayorkas’s administration of the EB-5 visa program, which grants entry to foreign nationals willing to invest a minimum of $500,000 to create U.S. jobs. The inquiry by the DHS inspector general began after unnamed whistleblowers alleged that Mayorkas had shown favoritism in administering the program. Mayorkas has denied the allegation. A final report on the matter has been complicated by several factors, including an unrelated ethics inquiry facing the inspector general.

Coburn said Wednesday that it is “virtually unprecedented” for the Senate to proceed with the confirmation of a nominee under official investigation. Democrats, led by committee Chairman Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), said the inquiry has gone on long enough and has not found evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Mayorkas or others in the department. In the meantime, Carper said, Mayorkas has received strong endorsements from a bipartisan group of former homeland security officials.