Senate Confirms Nesvik, Navy Chief Blocked by Hold

The Senate confirmed Brian Nesvik to lead the Fish and Wildlife Service with bipartisan support, despite concerns from some Democrats about his ties to fossil fuel and agricultural interests. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) has placed a hold on President Biden's nominee, Adm. Daryl Caudle, for Navy chief to pressure the Pentagon to reopen Alaska's Adak Naval Air Station, which he sees as crucial for countering Russia and China. The Navy chief position has been vacant for months due to Sullivan's hold, underscoring wider partisan frustrations over the slow pace of Senate confirmations. Sullivan has criticized Democrats for delays in other White House appointments and the breakdown of the Senate's traditional unanimous consent process. The Pentagon and Navy have not commented on the hold, and Senate leaders may need to negotiate with Sullivan or resort to procedural votes to advance Caudle's nomination. The standoff reflects ongoing tensions over Senate confirmation practices and military strategy in the Arctic region.