November 2, 1999
Web posted at: 9:49 a.m. EST (1449 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Jesse Helms, R-N.C., postponed Tuesday's nomination hearing for former Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun because he said he had not yet received key documents from the White House relating to questions of ethical conduct.

President Clinton nominated Moseley-Braun last month to be ambassador to New Zealand.

"The White House continues to stonewall against providing the committee with the essential documents required to evaluate properly the Moseley-Braun nomination," said Helms in a written statement.

He maintained as soon as he gets the documents, he will schedule a hearing with a vote the following day.

Helms, who had a contentious relationship with Moseley-Braun when she was in the Senate, is seeking documents from the Justice Department, the IRS and the White House relating to allegations that the Illinois Democrat misused campaign funds while in the Senate, and questions over funding for a trip to see then-Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha.

These issues took center stage during the 1998 campaign that led to her defeat by Republican Peter Fitzgerald.

The White House has indicated they are working with Helms' committee to supply relevant documents.

"The American people are entitled to know the truth," said Helms. "The White House is frightened at the prospect of submitting these documents and thus allowing an open hearing that will objectively review these charges.

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott told reporters Monday he expected Moseley-Braun to be confirmed.

If the confirmation process is not complete by the time Congress adjourns, the president could give Moseley-Braun a so-called "recess appointment." Such a move would allow her to serve for up to a year, practically to the end of the Clinton presidency.

ARCHIVES