In this morning’s “Come on, man, really?” news, New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez has placed a “hold” (I’m only using quotation marks because the Post does) that blocks votes for President Obama’s picks to head both the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What’s really weird? Menendez is a Democrat.

And, the holds aren’t related to Menendez worrying about the qualifications of the scientists tapped to lead these agencies, says the Washington Post.

According to sources who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss the matter, Menendez is using the holds as leverage to get Senate leaders’ attention for a matter related to Cuba rather than questioning the nominees’ credentials.

Which is pretty uncool. Environmentalists and scientists “strongly back” Harvard University physicist John Holdren and Oregon State University marine biologist Jane Lubchenco, who have been nominated for the posts. In fact, the leader of the advocacy group Oceana said, “We need them on the job yesterday.” Ohhhhhh, snap!

But, really, Senator  Menendez. Not good timing. Obama is working hard to prove his green credentials, and what’s more, “The delay comes as a slew of international officials are coming to Washington this week to meet with administration officials and members of Congress about addressing global warming.” So, I’m sure they’ll be impressed. And, at a time where the Democrats could be capitalizing on the semi-fights going on in the Republican party, this seems to be a good time to present a unified front, and not derail the President’s plan for a pet issue.

Of course, who knows what’s really happening, because Senator Menendez is not commenting on the story. Awesome. This can be overturned with a 60-Senator floor vote, so takepart your Senator and request that these votes go through. And takepart with the advocacy group Oceana. Ted Danson’s on their front page right now, so that’s gotta be worth a click, right?