The bump in the road is Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
Senator Rubio has halted the forward progress of Garcetti’s nomination, causing it to stall because he “has ignored credible sexual assault accusations in his prior office.” Rubio said in a statement, “I will not turn a blind eye to these absurd nominations, which will hasten America’s decline.”
Along with Garcetti, Rubio has placed a hold on six others nominated by Biden. Anytime a hold is placed by a senator against a nominee, there can be no quick approval by unanimous consent, which slows down the process and halts the confirmation.
WATCH: NFL LEGEND LAWRENCE TAYLOR ENDORSES TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT
February 27, 2023
In last year’s Congress, Garcetti’s nomination was kicked to the curb for many months until it was no longer viable and expired. He was renominated for a second time this year, even though there was an investigation by Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, about sexual misconduct during Garcetti’s time as mayor.
WATCH: THE BEST KAMALA IMPRESSION AT A TRUMP RALLY
Grassley concluded that Garcetti “likely knew or should have known” that Rick Jacobs, Garcetti’s top advisor, was allegedly making racist remarks and harassment of city employees.
Grassley’s report includes descriptions of Jacobs’s racist remarks at his office toward Chinese, Black, and Indian employees. The report also provides information about Jacobs’ inappropriate comments, sexual advances, and unwanted kissing and touching.
DEBATE DRAMA: WILL TRUMP BAIL? 'VIEW' HOST SAYS ‘COUNT ON IT,’ DESPITE CONFIRMED DATES
Garcetti’s report found that “Investigators believe this allegation is credible because it fits the behavior described by several other senior staff members in Mayor Garcetti’s office and because of its similarity to allegations in the lawsuit.” The lawsuit alleges Garcetti witnessed the behavior on multiple occasions but chose to laugh it off.
DECEIVED AND DEPLOYED: HOW HUNDREDS OF SRI LANKANS WERE TRICKED INTO FIGHTING RUSSIA'S WAR
In December 2021, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing. Garcetti explained to those on the committee considering his nomination that he had never witnessed Jacobs sexually harass his police bodyguards.
The White House responded to Grassley’s report calling it a partisan “hit job,” and continues to offer support for Garcelli’s nomination. A White House official said Garcetti “is well qualified to serve in this vital role. He was voted out of committee with strong bipartisan support, and we’re hopeful that the full Senate will confirm him promptly,” according to Fox News Digital.
On Tuesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled to consider the fate of Garcetti’s nomination.