McCain Blasts Senator for Blocking Army Secretary Confirmation

US Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, talks about US President Barack Obama’s plan to close the Guantanamo Bay prison during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, February 24, 2016. US President Barack Obama on February 23 presented a long-shot plan to shutter the Guantanamo Bay detention center, hoping to fulfill an elusive campaign promise before he leaves office next year. / AFP / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday sharply criticized a colleague’s months-long hold on the nominee to be the next Army Secretary, calling it a foolish abuse of power.

Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.