Senate Confirms Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary
A longtime Wall Street executive, Mr. Lutnick will take on a broad portfolio that includes defending U.S. business interests and overseeing restrictions on technology exports.
Senate
GOP Senators Fall in Line Behind Trump’s Cabinet Picks
Despite reservations, Republicans are falling in line behind President Trump’s contentious top administration picks, signaling a broader retreat from challenging him.
Kash Patel’s Loyalty to Trump Raises Doubts Over F.B.I.’s Independence
During President Trump’s first term, demanding personal loyalty didn’t always work; stocking top jobs with loyalists is the tack now. At the F.B.I., this entails bucking its institutional history.
Republican Senators Call on Trump to Rethink Revoked Security Details
Senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton said that the former Trump aides faced continuing threats from Iran and that the decision could affect how current officials do their jobs.
Senate to Vote on Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation, With Outcome Uncertain
With two G.O.P. senators opposed, Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, can afford to lose only one more. If he is confirmed, it is likely to be by the smallest margin for that post in modern times.
Hegseth Could Be Confirmed With Smallest Margin of Any Defense Secretary
For the last 50 years, almost every nominee to lead the Pentagon has been a consensus pick who drew lopsided margins of support in the Senate. Pete Hegseth’s nomination has been a notable exception.
Adam Schiff, Trump’s Favorite Foil, Tries to Insulate California From His Wrath
As a congressman who led the first impeachment of President Trump, Mr. Schiff relished his role in the resistance. Now a senator, he must protect his state’s interests at a perilous time.
What Republicans Could Cut to Pay for Trump’s Tax Cuts: Medicaid and More
President Trump wants a massive tax cut and immigration crackdown bill. Now Republicans must decide what to cut to help pay for it.
Democrats Slow G.O.P. Rush to Confirm Trump Nominees
Republicans will be able to win approval of President Trump’s top picks if they remain united, but they are frustrated by Democratic tactics.
Senate Democrats Block G.O.P. Effort to Criminalize Some Abortion Providers
The bill would require that infants born alive after an attempted abortion receive the same protection as any newborn baby, and threaten medical providers with prison time for failing to resuscitate them.