Trump Cabinet confirmation hearings **live commentary thread**

[NewYorkExpress]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40378981

President Trump announced he will nominate New York Jets owner Woody Johnson to serve as Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Johnson endorsed Jeb Bush in the primaries, drawing a mocking tweet from Trump, but they appear to have made up.

[NewYorkExpress]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/21/trump-to-tap-longtime-coal-lobbyist-for-epas-number-two-spot/?utm_term=.ea367e51e0e4

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[NewYorkExpress]

Christopher Wray confirmed as FBI Director by a 92-5 vote.

Nos: Warren, Markey, Merkley, Gillibrand, Wyden

Warren, Merkley and Gillibrand are clearly running for President after voting no here. Makes you wonder about Wyden and Markey's intentions a bit too...

[NewYorkExpress]

https://www.voanews.com/a/south-north-korea-victor-cha/4011127.html

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[NewYorkExpress]

Next nominees to be considered:

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I'm still chuckling at the concept of Callista Gingrich as Ambassador to the Vatican. Can they reject the nominee?

[NewYorkExpress]

I'm still chuckling at the concept of Callista Gingrich as Ambassador to the Vatican. Can they reject the nominee?

If Senate Republicans could feel any shame, they would reject her, but that's not really how things have been going for some time now. They are mostly acting as a rubber-stamp for anyone he wants.

I was referring to the Vatican, not the Senate.

[NewYorkExpress]

Trump expected to tap Kirstjen Nielsen to lead Department of Homeland Security

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-expected-to-tap-kirstjen-nielsen-to-lead-department-of-homeland-security/2017/10/11/21770f8e-aeaf-11e7-9e58-e6288544af98_story.html

Looks like a solid pick... which makes me question that Trump had much to do with it.

Odd... I was expecting Giuliani or Ray Kelly.

[NewYorkExpress]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/11/12/he-has-never-tried-a-case-but-trump-wants-to-make-him-judge-for-life/?utm_term=.e77cae532347

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Any chance Murkowski, Collins or McCain vote no on this?

[NewYorkExpress]

Hirono votes no but all of the prospective presidential candidates vote yes?

Interesting.

So what did Campbell do to upset Hirono?

[NewYorkExpress]

The Democrats shouldn't be letting anyone get confirmed by voice vote, honestly.

The Democrats should be trying to reinstate the fillibuster, then fillibustering everyone.

[NewYorkExpress]

Serious unconfirmed allegations have been made against Jackson.  Update: Hearing delayed.

And Trump didn't want to nominate Carson to a post he actually might be slightly more qualified for, why?

For that matter, why not nominate, say Tammy Duckworth...maybe she'll actually say yes.

[NewYorkExpress]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/nominee-to-head-cia-says-agencys-post-911-interrogation-program-should-not-have-been-started/2018/05/15/a5a70142-5850-11e8-8836-a4a123c359ab_story.html?utm_term=.f026a7045cc4

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[NewYorkExpress]

Cal. #760 Shelton to the Federal Reserve board of Governors*

* Very close vote possible, Pence may have to break tie

Update:

https://twitter.com/NickTimiraos/status/1328417570890928129

There's some talk that Alexander is willing to conveniently miss the vote which would tie it 49-49.

Also worth noting that Harris hasn't been present for any votes in the last couple of months aside from a couple of the votes on Barrett.

If Kamala doesn't show up, or resigns before the vote (very possible), then Republicans don't need an additional vote to confirm Shelton.