Blocking Barofksy?

The nomination of federal prosecutor Neil M. Barofsky to become special inspector general of the Treasury Department's $700 billion bailout program did much to quell critics who were concerned about a lack of government oversight.

But U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, head of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, disclosed in a little-noticed statement that at least one other member of the Senate is blocking a vote on Barofsky's confirmation.

"That delay is regrettable and not in the best interest of American taxpayers,'' Dodd said. "It is my sincere hope that those who are blocking this nomination will reconsider their actions and confirm Mr. Barofsky at the earliest opportunity."

Dodd, a Democrat from Connecticut, did not identify the senator who was blocking the vote, but did say that the person was a Republican. Under Senate rules, any member can put a hold on any federal appointment. They can do so anonymously, and for any reason.

Dodd added that Barofsky's appointment had been cleared by the Senate Banking Committee, leaders of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and by all Democratic senators.

Barofsky currently is an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and is chief of that branch's mortgage fraud group. The district includes Manhattan, which is home to many of the big financial services companies that have received billions of dollars in taxpayer money through the Treasury Department's rescue efforts. The district also is home to some of the companies that are under investigation in connection with their activities before and during the current financial crisis.

Although President George W. Bush nominated Barofsky for the inspector general position, news stories after the nomination noted that Barofsky supported Barack Obama in this year's election.

Reports that someone was blocking a vote on Barofsky's nomination appeared first on  Internet sites, including one run by the Project on Government Oversight. Dodd's remarks have received little attention from newspapers, television network or other mainstream media outlets.

BailoutSleuth will continue monitoring Barofsky's confirmation process and provide updates on any significant developments.