Democratic senator blocks EPA chief nomination News
Democratic senator blocks EPA chief nomination

[JURIST] Democratic Sen. Thomas Carper [official website], of Delaware, has placed a hold on the nomination of Stephen Johnson [official profile] as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency [official website]. A spokesman for Carper said Thursday that the senator would exercise his power to block the nomination. All senators have the power to place a hold on a confirmation vote in the Senate. Carper cited the failure of the White House and EPA to respond to a request for data on legislative proposals for regulating emissions from power plants. Johnson, a 24-year EPA veteran, currently is acting administrator of the agency. Carper said he did not oppose Johnson, who he said would make a fine administrator. Instead, he expressed concern [official statement] over White House interference with management of the agency. Carper was the lone senator to oppose Johnson's nomination during a committee vote on Wednesday. AP has more.

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THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.