Senators Blocking Nominee for Federal Highway Administration

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everal U.S. Senators have held up consideration of Richard Capka, President Bush's nominee to head the Federal Highway Administration, the Associated Press reported.

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said he was frustrated with FHWA’s refusal to fund a $50 million transportation project for his state.

President Bush nominated Capka, FHWA's acting administrator, to head the agency last month (Click here for previous coverage.)

Baucus joins Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), who said earlier this month he would hold up the nomination because of Capka’s involvement with Boston's controversial $14.6 billion “Big Dig” tunnel construction project, AP said.

Both of New Jersey's senators said Tuesday they will also hold up the nomination, protesting a new administration rule they said could jeopardize several of the state's transportation projects by denying millions in federal funds, AP reported.

Senators may place holds on nominations, forcing supporters to find 60 votes for passage or confirmation.