Inhofe Ends Threat to Clinton Nominees; Notice Pledged on Recess Appointments

Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.) yesterday dropped his threat to block action on presidential nominations after President Clinton assured Senate leaders he will give them ample advance notice before he installs an unconfirmed nominee during a congressional recess.

Inhofe served notice early last week that he would put "holds" on all civilian nominations to protest the president's appointment of gay San Francisco philanthropist James C. Hormel as ambassador to Luxembourg during the Memorial Day recess.

Among the nominees threatened by Inhofe's action were Lawrence W. Summers,…