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Category: Congressional To Do

Austin Confirmed as Secretary of Defense

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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.

Read more about the confirmation here and here.

Democrats Assume Control in Senate

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With Vice President Kamala Harris performing one of her new duties in her new role by swearing in three new Senators, Democrats now control the Senate.  A few minutes ago, she swore in Alex Padilla of California, who was appointed to fill her seat, and Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff of Georgia.  The Senate make-up is now at 50-50, with VP Harris serving as the tie-breaking vote; this means that Democrats are now in charge of the chamber.

With the shift in control, Sen. Maria Cantwell now becomes Chairwoman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee while Sen. Patty Murray will take over as Chairwoman of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

 

Confirmation Hearings Start Today

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With the swearing-in of the new Biden Administration scheduled for tomorrow, the first set of confirmation hearings for several key posts within the Administration are set to start today.  These include:

  • Lloyd Austin– Secretary of Defense
  • Alejandro Mayorkas– Secretary of Homeland Security
  • Antony Blinken– Secretary of State
  • Avril Haines– Director of National Intelligence
  • Janet Yellen– Secretary of Treasury

Read more about the nominees and the confirmation process here, here, and here.

History Made: Trump Impeached for Second Time

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On a historic day during what many would call an unbelievable period of our national history, President Trump today became the only president to be impeached for a second time. Ultimately, he was impeached by a vote of 232 to 197, with 10 Republicans joining the Democrats.

The trial moves to the Senate, where the Republicans still control power until the two Democratic Senators from Georgia are sworn in.  It has been reported that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has not ruled out voting to remove Trump.  When the Senate takes up the impeachment trial and whether there are any further developments on this quickly changing front still remain to be seen.

Read more about the developments here, here, here, and here.

Congress Reconvenes

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Following the breach of the US Capitol today, the Senate reconvened several hours later to continue counting electoral ballots for the President and Vice President-elect of the United States. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) announced the House will also reconvene tonight at 9:00pm ET.

Read Speaker Pelosi’s statement here. Watch Senate floor proceedings here and House floor proceedings here.