U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern on Monday over the Senate's delay in confirming President Joe Biden's nominees for diplomatic positions, stating that it was

undermining national security. This echoes similar worries raised by defense officials regarding the postponement of military promotions.

Blinken addressed reporters, revealing that he had written a letter to every Senate member, urging them to swiftly confirm dozens of nominees for positions within the State Department.

The confirmation process for these nominations has been hindered by Republican Senator Rand Paul, who is seeking information from the administration regarding the origins of COVID-19.

Blinken emphasized, "It strains credulity that some of the members of Congress calling most loudly for outcompeting our rivals are at the same time tying our hands behind our back. We cannot and we must not let this become the new normal."

According to the State Department, there are currently 62 nominees awaiting confirmation from the Senate, including 38 ambassadorial nominees.

As of now, there has been no immediate response from Senator Paul's aides regarding these concerns.

Additionally, over 250 nominations for positions in the U.S. military are facing delays due to Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville. Photo by U.S. Embassy Nigeria, Wikimedia commons.