Shelby lifts many nominee holds

Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., lifted many of his holds on President Obama's nominations to administration posts. The move may temper a threat by Democratic leaders in the Senate that the administration would make recess appointments during next week's Presidents' Day break. Last week Shelby placed a hold on nominees over concerns about an Air Force tanker project that could benefit Mobile and funding for a counterterrorism center that would benefit Huntsville. Shelby still has holds on nominees directly related to the tanker project. (Source: New York Times, 02/08/10)