President Trump continues torrid pace as Cabinet nominees Duffy, Vought face confirmation hearings

The Senate Budget Committee will meet at 10 a.m. EST Wednesday to examine the nomination of Russell Vought to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Also at 10 a.m. EST, the Senate Commerce Business Committee will meet to consider the nomination of former Wisconsin congressman and former Fox News contributor and FOX Business co-host Sean Duffy to be Secretary of Transportation.

Just hours after President Trump’s inauguration Monday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8-7 to advance Vought’s nomination.

“Throughout the confirmation process, Russell Vought has demonstrated he knows the challenge ahead of him and President Trump and will not be distracted by partisan attacks or distortions of President Trump’s agenda,” Chairman Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said in a statement. “I commend the Committee for advancing his nomination to the Senate floor, and I am confident that he will be confirmed quickly.”

Though Vought’s nomination cleared the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee along party lines, the Senate Budget Committee also has jurisdiction over the OMB director role and must convene a confirmation hearing and vote of its own.

Last week, Duffy earned praised from senators on both sides of the aisle during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing, and a full committee mark-up was subsequently scheduled for Wednesday, Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said.

Duffy was introduced by fellow Wisconsinites Sens. Ron Johnson, a Republican, and Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat. Baldwin recalled how she and Duffy worked together across party lines to replace an 80-year-old bridge across the St. Croix River more than a decade ago.

“It was not a matter of right or left, just what was good for our constituents, our economy, and our state,” Baldwin said. “Today, the St. Croix Crossing, which opened in 2017, has shortened travel times, reduced traffic congestion, and, most importantly, improved safety.”

“But at the end of the day, I am confident that Sean is the right person for this job in this coming, upcoming administration,” she added. “I believe he will help deliver for Wisconsin families, businesses, and workers, and I expect that he will work through this committee and both sides of the aisle to improve our infrastructure and address the challenges that arise in the years ahead. I am proud to join you today to introduce Sean Duffy to this committee.”