The Hill News

In an election year, Congressional action, of course, breaks down along party lines, action on presidential nominations no exception. But when millions of constituents are harmed by partisan failure to take simple actions, it is not only politically counter-productive, but adds to the widespread feeling of broken down government. The opposite is also true: when an occasion arrives that political lines can be lifted, people’s spirits are lifted on both sides, and negative feelings about Congress diminish.
 
Such an occasionâ€"long overdueâ€"is at hand. For nearly a year, the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees national service initiatives including the Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and VISTA, has been without a leader. President Obama’s nominee for the post, Wendy Spencer, has sterling bipartisan credentials. She was approved by the Senate HELP Committee with unanimous bipartisan support in December, but now sits on the side lines, wait! ing for a Senate vote to confirm the nomination.
 
In the meantime, the Corporation for National and Community Service is working to meet the needs of communities facing fraying social safety nets, reductions in teachers and police and, in many cases, difficult recoveries from natural disasters, all without the leadership of a duly confirmed Chief Executive Officer.

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