A Republican senator whose vote had been considered decisive announced she will oppose the nomination, a setback that narrows an already tight path to confirmation.
Her opposition follows weeks of holdups from other GOP senators seeking assurances about the fate of a controversial internal fund tied to the nominee's prior role, a sticking point that has slowed the process even with Republicans controlling the chamber.
Confirmation now appears likely to require near-unanimous Republican support, leaving little margin for further defections before a floor vote.
Source: Reuters
