New Ambassador to Georgia Nominated (June 19, 2009)
John Bass's appointment is contingent upon a confirmation process that is prescribed by the U.S. Constitution. Presidential nominations of ambassadors, Supreme Court and federal judges, cabinet members and other high-level administration officials must be approved by the Senate. In Mr. Bass' case, as for all ambassadors, a hearing will be held before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Members of the committee, and ultimately the full Senate, must then approve the nomination by a majority vote. The confirmation process is an integral part of the United States' system of checks and balances; over 2,000 federal jobs are subject to this process, which has no fixed time limits or rules except those determined by the Senate itself. Once confirmed, Mr. Bass' arrival date in Georgia will be announced.
See also: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-Announces-More-Key-Administration-Posts-6-19-09/