Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) was confirmed by the Senate Thursday as Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget. John McCain (R-AZ) joined Democrats in opposing Mulvaney’s nomination.
News and updates
Gorsuch’s Confirmation Process Starts March 20
Senate confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch have been scheduled to begin March 20.
The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing is expected to last three to four days. Questioning of the Judge Gorsuch will begin on March 21. Senators will hear testimony from outside experts as well as the nominee.
Puzder Out
Nominee for Labor Secretary Andrew Puzder is expected to withdraw his nomination shortly. Given recent developments on Puzder’s record (both professional and private) and recent issues with other Trump advisors, Republican support for the nominee has weakened. His hearing, set for this week, is expected to be cancelled, and his official resignation is expected shortly.
Mulvaney Moves Forward
By a vote of 52-48, Rep. Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s nominee for OMB Director, has cleared a procedural vote. This move would allow a final vote on Mulvaney Thursday evening.
More Movement Seen on Senior Administration Officials Front
Late Monday, recently appointed White House National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigned from his post. The resignation was prompted by what he shared with Vice President Pence about his call with the Russian ambassador to the United States almost immediately following the Presidential election in November.
Flynn had reportedly told Pence that he did not discuss with the ambassador the sanctions levied against Russia by the Obama Administration. The Vice President then publicly supported Flynn’s claim. It was revealed late last week that the subject of the sanctions may have been discussed during the call between Flynn and the ambassador.
On the Cabinet front, Steve Mnuchin, a long-time executive at Goldman Sachs, was confirmed by the Senate mostly along party lines on Monday as the Treasury Secretary. Also on Monday, David Shulkin was confirmed unanimously by the Senate to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2015, Shulkin was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate to head the Veterans Health Administration.
A number of other Cabinet confirmations remain, including those for Secretary of Department of Labor and Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.