confirmation hearings

Chief Justice John Roberts administers the constitutional oath to Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh as his wife, Ashley Kavanaugh, holds the Bible. They're accompanied by their daughters, Margaret and Liza.

Politics & Government

Federal Panel Of Judges Dismisses All 83 Ethics Complaints Against Brett Kavanaugh

7:03pm December 18, 2018

by Nina Totenberg

The judges acknowledged that the complaints are "serious" but noted there is no existing authority for lower court judges to hold Supreme Court justices accountable.

Judge Brett Kavanaugh scowls as he testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill Thursday. Afterward, many observers felt he had revealed a partisan side never before seen from a Supreme Court nominee.

Politics & Government

Republicans Push Kavanaugh Nomination Forward, But At What Cost?

2:36pm September 29, 2018

by Domenico Montanaro

With the midterms looming and women — especially Democratic women — already fired up, Republicans are taking a risk in continuing to back Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

Judge Neil Gorsuch, pictured with Sen. Lindsey Graham, has met with 72 senators ahead of his confirmation hearings.

Politics & Government

Senate Democrats Lighting The Grill For Gorsuch's Confirmation Hearings

7:52am March 19, 2017

by Nina Totenberg

At previous hearings, critics have focused on big social issues like affirmative action or abortion. This time, critics' strategy is to portray Gorsuch siding with corporations over regular folks.

President Trump arrives back at the White House on Monday after spending the weekend in Florida. The president has struggled to get his Cabinet appointees through the Senate in part because Senate Democrats have continued to delay the process.

Despite Recent Additions, Trump Cabinet Still Emptier Than Predecessors'

2:20pm February 09, 2017

by Tamara Keith

The Senate confirmation process for President Trump's Cabinet picks has been unusually slow. Trump blames Democrats; Democrats say they are pushing back against "unqualified" nominees.

Former Texas governor Rick Perry had his confirmation hearing Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of energy. He said he no longer wants to get rid of the agency.

Politics & Government

Rick Perry, Energy Nominee, Says He No Longer Wants To Dissolve Agency

11:34pm January 19, 2017

by Jeff Brady

The former Texas governor once said he would abolish the Department of Energy. Now, as Trump's pick for the agency head, he said said his view on that — and global warming — have changed.

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Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross, Commerce Secretary nominee for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, arrives Wednesday for his Senate confirmation hearing. Ross is warning America's trading partners to practice "fair trade" and cut state control over busin

Wilbur Ross' Confirmation Hearing Highlights Divide Among GOP On Trade

10:25pm January 18, 2017

by Chris Arnold

The Commerce Secretary nominee signaled that the Trump administration would respond aggressively to trade violations, but several GOP senators worried that such confrontations could harm the economy.

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., meets Jan. 6 with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator-designate Scott Pruitt (right) on Capitol Hill. Pruitt's confirmation hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

EPA Critic To Get Sharp Questions On Industry Ties As He Vies To Run Agency

1:26pm January 18, 2017

by Joe Wertz

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has sparked controversy for his denial of climate science and his ties to fossil-fuel interests. Here's what to expect in Wednesday's confirmation hearing.

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Secretary of Transportation-designate Elaine Chao testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Listening are her father, James Chao, left, and husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Chao Coasting To Confirmation As Trump's Transportation Secretary

7:48am January 12, 2017

by David Schaper

Elaine Chao, wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, was President George W. Bush's labor secretary and served in top transportation jobs in the first Bush and Reagan administrations.

Attorney General nominee Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) attends a meeting on Capitol Hill on Nov. 29 in Washington, D.C.

5 Things To Watch For In Jeff Sessions' Attorney General Hearings

10:16am January 10, 2017

by Carrie Johnson

The Alabama Republican senator counted himself as one of Donald Trump's earliest supporters on Capitol Hill. Now, he's in line to become the next U.S. Attorney General.

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President-elect Donald Trump addresses a "Thank You Tour 2016" rally last month in Mobile, Ala.

This Could Be The Busiest And Most Consequential Week Before Trump Takes Office

10:16am January 09, 2017

by Jessica Taylor

This week sets the table for Donald Trump's entry into the White House, as Cabinet picks face scrutiny in the Senate, the president-elect faces reporters — and Barack Obama offers his farewell.