J. Exon: “Adm. Henry Chiles, the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, is scheduled to retire…”

“Adm. Henry Chiles, the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, is scheduled to retire on March 1, 1996, after a lengthy career of exemplary service to his country. Air Force Gen. Eugene Habiger has been nominated by President Clinton to replace Admiral Chiles and a change of command ceremony is scheduled to take place at Offutt Air Force Base on February 21. As I understand the majority leader's wishes, once the Senate adjourns, perhaps today, we will not be in session again until the last week of February. If such a schedule becomes a reality, the Senate will not have a chance to act on the Habiger nomination before the change of command ceremony on February 21 and will have mere days to approve Admiral Chile's retirement as well as the retirement of his deputy, Gen. Arlen Jamison. While I understand that the Senate Armed Services Committee was not able to consider General Habiger's nomination at this morning's nomination hearing because the necessary paperwork could not be completed in time, I would inquire of the distinguished chairman of the committee and President pro tempore as to what accommodation he will make for the committee and the full Senate to act promptly on this important nomination.”