Senate confirms president’s nominees for agriculture secretary and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations
WASHINGTON—President Biden’s largely smooth cabinet selection process hit a rough patch this week, as Neera Tanden’s nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget is in deepening peril and some Democrats are discussing potential candidates to replace her.
Two other nominees faced skeptical Republicans in confirmation hearings on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed Linda Thomas-Greenfield as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary. Merrick Garland, Mr. Biden’s nominee for attorney general, is also expected to be confirmed with bipartisan support next month. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) will vote in favor of Mr. Garland’s nomination, his office said.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Mr. Biden’s nominee for Health and Human Services secretary, faced questions Tuesday from Republicans who said he is too liberal and lacks public-health experience. “I’ll say what I’ve said to him privately. I’m not sold yet,” said Sen. Richard Burr (R., N.C.), the ranking Republican on the committee... READ MORE