A Busy Week for the Senate: Multiple Nominations and Legislation Passed

This past week, the representatives from North Carolina attended various voting sessions in Congress. Interestingly, no significant activities occurred in the House, as it was not in session. In contrast, the Senate witnessed a number of legislative initiatives, votes, and confirmations.

In addition to roll call votes, the Senate succeeded in passing a series of measures. One such measure was bill S.1020, which mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time frame for starting construction on specific hydropower projects.

Another notable achievement of the Senate during the week was the approval of the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act (S. 911). Through this act, certain retired law enforcement officers will be included in the public safety officer’s death benefits program enhancing their post-retirement safety and security.

Honoring the 20th anniversary of the fateful Hurricane Katrina, the Senate passed a resolution (S. Res. 344). This resolution not only remembers the devastating event but also acknowledges the progress of collective efforts to restore and rebuild the affected Gulf Coast region.

Moving forward, the Senate stayed busy with confirmations of nominations for various positions. David Wright was confirmed as a commissioner on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). He was assigned to serve a substantial term of five years, stretching till the mid of 2030.

The Senate green-lighted the nomination of Earl Matthews to serve as the General Counsel at the Defense Department, showing their faith in his capability to handle sensitive, national defense concerns.

William Kimmitt also found favor in the Senate as his nomination was confirmed for the position of Under Secretary for International Trade under the Commerce Department. His expertise and experience will contribute significantly to international trade matters.

Furthermore, the Senate approved Susan Monarez to assume the directorship of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her leadership will be crucial in guiding the nation’s health strategies and combating threats to public health.

Sam Brown’s nomination for the role of Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the Veterans Affairs Department was also confirmed by the Senate. His assignment signifies his commitment to honoring veterans and their significant contributions.

In the judiciary realm, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Emil J. Bove III as a judge on the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals. This position will allow him to shape jurisprudence at a key level of the federal judicial system.

The Senate also confirmed Thomas Elliot Gaiser to lead the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel. His role is instrumental in providing sound legal advice to the administration.

On the national intelligence front, Joe Kent was approved by the Senate to direct the National Counterterrorism Center of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), reinforcing the nation’s security strategies against terrorism.

Parallelly, the Senate declined a motion to discharge from the Foreign Relations Committee a resolution (S.J. Res. 41), which would have precluded the proposed deal to sell 20 thousand automatic carbine rifles to Israel for its national police forces.

Moreover, Tyler Clarkson’s nomination as General Counsel at the Agriculture Department was ratified by the Senate, as was Gadyaces Serralta for the directorship of the U.S. Marshals Service. Cheryl Mason was confirmed as Inspector General at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department.

Other confirmations included Matthew Kozma as Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the Homeland Security Department, and Andrea Lucas as a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with her term ending in mid-2030.