WASHINGTON, D.C. – This past week, the Senate confirmed additional cabinet secretaries, filling the top positions to lead departments like Veterans’ Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Energy and the Justice Department. Next week, we can expect the Senate to move forward with some of President Trump’s most controversial picks.
In total, the Senate has confirmed 13 cabinet members. There are nine nominations still waiting to be confirmed. Some of them have made headlines as more controversial picks, such as Tulsi Gabbard. She has been nominated for Director National Intelligence. She’s a former Democratic House member, ran for President in 2020, a veteran and she’s been accused of sharing Russian propaganda.
During her confirmation committee hearing, Sen. Susan Collins (R- ME) asked if confirmed, would she support or recommend a pardon or any kind of clemency for Edward Snowden? Snowden was a former NSA intelligence contractor who leaked US intelligence.
“If confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence my responsibility would be to ensure the security of our nation’s secrets and would not take actions to advocate for any actions related to Snowden,” replied Gabbard during the hearing.
Another controversial pick: Robert F. Kennedy for Health and Human Services Secretary. Kennedy has previously ran for President as a Democrat, then as an Independent and then endorsed Trump. He’s caused concerns about leading this Department following comments he’s made about vaccines and among other health theories.
In a Senate confirmation committee hearing, Sen. Michael Bennet (D- CO) asked Kennedy if he said exposure to pesticides causes children to become transgender?
“No, I never said that,” responded Kennedy.
“Okay I have the record I can give to the chairman, and he can make his judgement on what you said,” replied Sen. Bennet.
Kennedy and Gabbard’s confirmation is now in the hands of the full Senate. We are watching to see if a few Republicans break with their party on these votes, but we can expect all Democrats to vote down their confirmation.
Both nominees lost a crucial Senate swing vote with Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman (D- PA), who has supported some of Trump’s other nominees. Fetterman recently announced he will not support Gabbard or Kennedy’s nomination.
We expect the senate to vote on their nominations as early as next week.
