Hearings, hearings, and wouldn't you know it, more hearings!
As president, Barack Obama's first order of business was to sign cabinet secretary nomination certificates. Within hours, the Senate unanimously confirmed seven Obama Administration nominees leaving two key positions vacant. By day's end, one of them will be filled.
Senator Hillary Clinton's apparent "smooth sailing" as the 67th Secretary of State was stalled by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (there's something of a recurring theme with Republicans from the Lone Star State), who blocked her confirmation by simple voice vote. Cornyn's concerned that there's a very real perception problem with Clinton as chief diplomat while her husband, former President Bill Clinton, runs his charitable foundation which accepts major contributors from foreign governments. Ultimately, Clinton will be confirmed. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved her nomination 16 to 1, and she has overwhelming support in the Senate. Today, while voicing his concerns on the Senate floor in debate, even Cornyn acknowledged he will vote in her favor.
Tim Geithner's nomination as Treasury Secretary has already taken the scenic route on the road to confirmation. During today's Senate Finance Committee hearing, the panel grilled Geithner on failing to pay upwards of $30,000 in taxes as he's about to lead the department that oversees the IRS. He says it was an honest mistake, and it appears lawmakers believe him. With investor's nerves a little frayed after Tuesday's market dive, you can bet on Geithner's impending confirmation.
More to come...