Cornyn Blocks Vote on Welsh for USAF Chief of Staff

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is blocking a Senate-wide vote on the White House’s nomination of Gen. Mark Welsh to become chief of staff of the Air Force.

The senator says he will keep the hold in place until the Air Force takes corrective steps to address a sex scandal at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, the Associated Press reports.

At least 15 Air Force instructors are under investigation for sexually assaulting as many as 38 airwomen going through basic training at the Texas base.

If approved, Welsh would replace Gen. Norton Schwartz in the job.

The Senate Armed Services Committee approved Welsh’s nomination on July 25, moving it to the full Senate for approval.