President Trump's nominees are set to undergo scrutiny in the Senate as they seek confirmation for key positions in the administration. Former Rep. Doug Collins and Rep. Elise Stefanik are among those facing questions from senators on Tuesday.
Collins, a Navy veteran and former congressman from Georgia, is seeking confirmation to lead the Veterans Affairs Department. He will testify before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, tasked with addressing issues such as long wait times for healthcare and benefits for veterans.
Stefanik, the fourth-ranking Republican in the U.S. House, is Trump's nominee for the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She is expected to face questions about her foreign policy experience and views on international conflicts, including the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee will vote on the nomination of Scott Bessent, a Wall Street investor, to be the next Treasury secretary. Bessent emphasized the importance of extending Trump's 2017 tax cuts, stating that failure to do so could lead to economic instability.
Democrats raised concerns about the impact of Trump's tax cuts on the federal deficit and income inequality. Bessent defended the tax cuts, arguing that they benefit Main Street over Wall Street and dismissing concerns about inflation from proposed tariffs on foreign imports.
The confirmation process for these nominees comes amid a flurry of executive actions by President Trump on his first day in office. The Senate plays a crucial role in confirming officials who will implement Trump's policy agenda.
Collins and Stefanik are expected to secure confirmation, with bipartisan support for their nominations. The hearings and votes in the Senate committees will determine the next steps for these nominees as they move closer to assuming their respective roles in the administration.
