The Senate Commerce Committee advanced President Biden’s pick to lead the Transportation Department, Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegOn The Money: Reddit traders cause Wall Street havoc | Powell: Inflation fears should not impede more coronavirus aid | NJ lawmakers press for SALT cap repeal in next relief package Senate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote Biden’s Cabinet gradually confirmed by Senate MORE, with a broad bipartisan vote.
The committee voted 21-3 to advance Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., who ran against Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. Buttigieg would make history as the first openly gay Cabinet member confirmed by the Senate, if he wins approval.
Republican Sens. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzGOP congressman demands Ocasio-Cortez apologize following Twitter exchange with Cruz On The Money: Economy shrank 3.5 percent in 2020 | Lawmakers rip Robinhood’s decision on GameStop | Budget rules, politics threaten per hour minimum wage Lawmakers rip Robinhood’s decision on GameStop MORE (Texas), Marsha BlackburnMarsha BlackburnSenate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote Senate committee advances Biden’s DHS pick despite Republican pushback The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden takes office, calls for end to ‘uncivil war’ MORE (Tenn.) and Rick Scott (Fla.) were the three votes against advancing Buttigieg’s nomination. Buttigieg’s nomination now advances to a full Senate vote, which has not been scheduled yet.
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Sen. Maria CantwellMaria Elaine CantwellSenate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote Senators vet Buttigieg to run Transportation Department Hillicon Valley: Texas, other states bring antitrust lawsuit against Google | Krebs emphasizes security of the election as senators butt heads | Twitter cracks down on coronavirus vaccine misinformation MORE (D-Wash.) touted Buttigieg’s experience before the vote, pointing to what was discussed when the committee vetted the former mayor last week.
She said she will ask Buttigieg, once confirmed, about prioritizing getting the COVID-19 vaccine to transportation infrastructure workers.
Sen. Roger WickerRoger Frederick WickerKaine eyes next week to file censure aiming to bar Trump from future office Trump censure faces tough odds in Senate Senate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote MORE (R-Miss.) said before the vote that he expected support for Buttigieg to be bipartisan, noting the “generous endorsement” he received from GOP Sen. Todd YoungTodd Christopher YoungSenate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote Trump, allies raise pressure on Senate GOP ahead of impeachment Moderates vow to ‘be a force’ under Biden MORE, who represents his home state of Indiana.
The Senate has already confirmed four nominees to Biden’s Cabinet — Director of National Intelligence Avril HainesAvril HainesWhy the double standard on human rights with Saudi Arabia and Iran? White House lays groundwork for international approach on climate change Senate GOP slow walking Biden’s pick to lead DHS MORE, Defense Secretary Lloyd AustinLloyd AustinOvernight Defense: FEMA asks Pentagon to help with vaccinations | US says Taliban has ‘not met their commitments’ | Army investigating Fort Hood chaplain Pentagon: Taliban has ‘not met their commitments’ under withdrawal deal Lloyd Austin has to back nuclear modernization for the free world MORE, Treasury Secretary Janet YellenJanet Louise YellenProgressives urge Biden to back recurring direct payments Economy shrank 3.5 percent in 2020 The Hill’s Morning Report – Dems question trial; January becomes deadliest pandemic month MORE and Secretary of State Antony BlinkenAntony BlinkenOvernight Defense: FEMA asks Pentagon to help with vaccinations | US says Taliban has ‘not met their commitments’ | Army investigating Fort Hood chaplain Pentagon: Taliban has ‘not met their commitments’ under withdrawal deal White House outraged at decision to release man convicted in Daniel Pearl murder MORE.