a rare joint statement from three key groups released november 4th read in part, quote, there is no question that professor lipstat has the credentials to deserve a proper hearing before the committee on foreign relations and that hearing is now overdue. this level of agreement about someone on such a contentious issue is rare. reporter: this journalist covers anti-semitism for the atlantic. it s about a much broader effort to stall biden s nominees and prevent their confirmations. in this case jewish communities abroad are protected by the position and right now that office is short stringed. reporter: the top republican on the senate foreign relations committee, senator jim rish said, i wouldn t say we re holding it up adding they re waiting for additional materials from lipstaedt and aides spoke with her.