Dole May Permit Senate Vote On Foster

Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole indicated Sunday that the long-stalled nomination of Dr. Henry Foster as surgeon general will come to a vote on the Senate floor.

Dole, R-Kan., who in the past has said he might prevent the nomination from ever coming to a vote, told CBS’ “Face The Nation” that he hoped to meet with Foster this week.

“Then we’ll try to arrange some schedule to consider it. There will be two votes,” he said.

Dole has acknowledged that Foster supporters have the 50 votes needed for final passage, but that obtaining the 60 votes to cut off debate will be more difficult.

Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas, and other Republicans who strongly oppose the nomination are expected to filibuster if the nomination comes up for a vote. The Senate would need the 60 votes to break the filibuster and force a final vote.