The Senate voted to confirm two of President Donald Trump’s nominees for cabinet positions. Steven Mnuchin was confirmed on February 13 as secretary of the Department of the Treasury by a largely party-line vote of 53-47. Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) issued a statement in strong opposition. “The person who becomes Treasury Secretary ought to be somebody who’s ready to work on behalf of all Americans, including people from those corners of this country where optimism has dimmed,” Mr. Wyden wrote. “If Steven Mnuchin’s record is any indication, he would not fit that mold. Not even close.”
The Senate confirmed Mr. Trump’s choice to lead the Office of Management and Budget, Representative Mick Mulvaney (R-SC), by an even slimmer margin—51 to 49—on February 16. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) joined Democrats in opposing Mr. Mulvaney, citing the nominee’s support for firm spending limits on defense spending. “I will vote to oppose Congressman Mulvaney’s nomination because it would be irresponsible to place the future of the defense budget in the hands of a person with such a record and judgment on national security,” McCain said.
The Senate will vote on the remaining Cabinet nominees—including Dr. Ben Carson, chosen to lead HUD—when Congress returns from recess the week of February 26.
Mr. Wyden’s statement on Mr. Mnuchin’s confirmation is at: http://bit.ly/2lPWvzq