WASHINGTON-Iowa State Senator JoAnn Johnson's (R) nomination to the NCUA Board through August 2, 2007 was added to the list up for Senate confirmation on Nov.27. However, her confirmation hearing has been held up because FBI agents are unavailable to perform her background check due to the September 11 events. According to Jesse Jacobs, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Paul Sarbanes' press secretary, a hearing cannot be scheduled until that paperwork comes through. Johnson would also be subject to a questionnaire from the Banking Committee and a potential hearing. Johnson, daughter-in-law to former NCUA official Don Johnson, would replace current Board Member Yolanda Wheat, whose term expired in August. Johnson has served in the Iowa State Senate since 1994. She is currently the Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee and was chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee from 1996 to 2000. "I am extremely pleased that the President has nominated Senator JoAnn Johnson to serve on the NCUA Board. Senator Johnson is a distinguished, proven leader. She possesses a wealth of experience which will be invaluable as the National Credit Union Administration embarks on the important challenges that lie ahead," NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar said. The president's announcement of his intent to nominate Johnson came just one week after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, in tandem with Dollar being named permanent chairman of the agency. The national credit union trade associations also expressed their approval of Johnson's nomination and hopes for a speedy confirmation process. "NAFCU relayed early on to the Bush-Cheney transition team, the importance of maintaining the full strength of the NCUA Board and to appoint individuals who recognize the dramatically and rapidly changing competitive financial environment, and are willing to address these important factors in the regulatory process," NAFCU President and CEO Fred Becker commented. "I have been in contact with JoAnn and believe that she is an excellent candidate to do just that." CUNA Vice President of Communications and Media Outreach Pat Keefe said, "We're glad to see that this is moving forward and we're looking forward to working with the Senate and Ms. Johnson." Johnson, who was unavailable for comment at deadline, is a former teacher and farmer. An Iowa native, she is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. The Senate Banking committee is moving quickly lately with many financial services area nominations once their packages are complete. Just last week it approved bankers Mark Olson and Susan Schmidt Bies to the Federal Reserve Board and James Gilleran as the director of the Office of Thrift Supervision and others. After approval from the committee, the entire Senate must approve nominations. [email protected]