Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Senators to Review Confirmation Rules

Stung by the controversy over Clarence Thomas’ confirmation to the Supreme Court, Senate Democrats formed a task force to review the confirmation process for presidential nominees and to suggest reforms. The formation of the task force, composed of five Senate committee chairmen, was announced as Senate leaders reached an impasse over the scope of a proposed investigation into how sexual harassment allegations against Thomas were leaked to the media. President Bush discussed the need for reforms in the confirmation process at a White House meeting with the Senate leadership, and a spokesman said the President will outline his ideas for reforms in a speech later this week.