ShakeAlert, the West Coast-wide earthquake early warning system under joint development for a number of years by the USGS, UW, University of Oregon, UC Berkeley, and Cal Tech, will be ready to test a public alert system this Thursday in parts of Washington. Residents of King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties who opt in to receive the alert on their wireless devices will receive a notice at 11 AM PT.
Category: 2021 UW Federal Agenda
ED Secretary Nomination Headed to Full Senate
Earlier this morning, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee approved the nomination of Miguel Cardona to serve as Education Secretary. His nomination now moves on to the full Senate.
Mayorkas, Buttigieg Confirmed
As expected, Alejandro Mayorkas and Pete Buttigieg were confirmed earlier this afternoon as Secretary of Homeland Security and Transportation, respectively. Mayorkas was approved 56-43 and the vote on Buttigieg’s nomination was 86-13.
Blinken Confirmed as Secretary of State
Earlier today, the Senate confirmed Antony Blinken as Secretary of State by a vote of 78 to 22. Read more about Blinken and the confirmation process here.
Austin Confirmed as Secretary of Defense
Earlier today, the Senate confirmed Lloyd Austin as the Secretary of Defense by a vote of 93 -2. The retired four-star general becomes the first African American to assume that position.
Before he could be confirmed, both chambers of Congress had to grant him a waiver to serve in that position. The waiver was needed as military personnel need to be out of uniform for seven years before serving as the Secretary. The Senate approved the waiver 69 – 27 while the House preceded it by a vote of 326 – 78.