Postponement of Bolton vote forced by Democrats

Democrats forced the Senate on Friday to postpone a vote on John R. Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations, demanding that the White House first hand over classified information about Bolton’s conduct that it has refused for weeks to provide.

The move put off until at least June 7, when the Senate returns from its Memorial Day break, any decision on Bolton’s embattled nomination. It also sets Democrats and Republicans in the Senate at odds once again just three days after they reached a compromise intended to avert filibusters on judicial nominations. Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., the majority leader, described himself as ‘‘very, very disappointed’’ by what Sen. Harry Reid, of Nevada, the top Democrat, conceded was the ‘‘first filibuster of the year’’.

With Republicans holding a solid majority in the Senate, Bolton still appears poised to win confirmation if his nomination is put to an up or down contest. But a Republican-led effort to end debate on Bolton failed on a 56-42 vote, with the Republicans falling four votes short of the 60 necessary to bring Bolton to a vote.

The White House expressed dismay. ‘‘Just 72 hours after all the good will and bipartisanship, it’s disappointing to see the Democratic leadership resort back to such a partisan approach,’’ said Scott McClellan, the White House spokesman. Asked about the Democratic demands for additional documents, McClellan said: ‘‘They have all the information they need.’’ —NYT