No Time for Hormel Vote, Lott Explains

A Senate vote on James Hormel to be the nation’s first openly gay ambassador was “not practical” this year, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) said. Lott, who opposes Hormel’s nomination to be ambassador to Luxembourg, said that with time running out in this session of Congress, the Senate must concentrate on passing fiscal 1999 spending bills. Hormel supporters say Republicans are against the California philanthropist and major Democratic Party contributor because of his sexual preference. Lott said it was “not just a question of his orientation,” but his advocacy of the gay lifestyle that had created problems.