Senate Democrats seek approval of nominees they say GOP is blocking . At a news conference on Thursday , Durbin said that Republicans that day had finally lifted a hold and approved the nomination of a top National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration official only after feeling pressured because of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico . ` Democrats do n't like holding up process , argue it 's allowed by Senate rules . Democrats say secret ballots keep Obama administration from being able to effectively govern . Republicans say Democrats use the same tactics .
Senate Democrats seek approval of nominees they say GOP is blocking . Democrats do n't like holding up process , argue it 's allowed by Senate rules . Democrats say secret ballots keep Obama administration from being able to effectively govern . Republicans say Democrats use the same tactics .