keohane's nomination. but the senator now blocks the confirmation of mr. keohane.need leaders at the department of defense. blocking these confirmations is corrosive to our national security. our nation cannot continue to hold key national security officials hostage. we must put the safety and well-being of our servicemembers first. our greatest strength as a nation is our people, and we need a confirmed leader like mr. keohane to make sure that our servicemembers have everything they need to succeed. mr. president, i ask unanimous consent that the senate consider the following nomination -- cal spv n.109, ronald t.keohane of new york to be an assistant secretary of defense, that the senate vote on the nomination without intervening being a or debate, and that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and the president be immediately notified of the senate's action. the presiding officer: is there objection? mr. budd: mr. president. the presiding officer: the senator from north kale. mr. budd: thank you. mr. keohane has been