Jacobson Nomination For Diplomatic Post Advances

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senators critical of U.S. travel policy in Cuba have raised no new threats of any move to block the nomination of Roberta Jacobson for assistant secretary of state for the Western Hemisphere.

GOP Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said he hasn't decided on Jacobson's nomination, but thought she handled Tuesday's audience well. Just one senator's opposition can block a nominee's confirmation. The process continues next week.

Rubio had previously threatened to block her nomination after The Associated Press reported last month that the United States had extended an offer to Havana to let a convicted Cuban spy return home in exchange for the release of Maryland native Alan Gross, a contractor imprisoned in Cuba. AP reported then that Cuba rejected the offer.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)