The chairman of the U.S. government agency that administers the Voice of America and other U.S. overseas broadcasts has defended his record against charges of misconduct.
Broadcasting Board of Governors Chairman Kenneth Tomlinson said Friday that he was proud of his record and that he would stay on the job.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Tomlinson disputed charges made in a U.S. State department report that he overbilled the government for his work and awarded a $250,000 contract to a friend.
He also pointed to broadcasting initiatives in Iran and Afghanistan that were undertaken during his tenure and said he is prepared to answer any questions Congress may have.
But the Senate said this week it has no plans to consider the president's renomination of Tomlinson in his post.
Several Democrats have called on him to resign.
Tomlinson resigned from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting last year after another inquiry found he violated rules meant to insulate public radio and television from political interference. The corporation helps fund public television and radio in the United states.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
