The Senate confirmed its first nominee this week, kicking off a busy schedule. Republicans aim to push through as many of President Trump’s picks as possible. On Monday, the Senate voted 50-39 to approve David A. Wright as head of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This vote marked a key victory for the administration.
Wright previously led the NRC, starting in 2020. Trump selected him again earlier this year. His new term will last until 2030. The NRC oversees nuclear power plants and reactor licensing. It ensures public safety related to nuclear energy. Wright’s confirmation follows the announcement of a U.S.-European Union trade deal. The agreement commits the EU to purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy over three years.
Despite the NRC’s independent status, Democrats worry about growing partisanship. Earlier, Trump signed an executive order aiming to ease safety standards and speed up environmental reviews. The order also calls for quadrupling nuclear power capacity by 2050. These moves support Trump’s goal of energy dominance.
Senate Environment Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito praised Wright’s experience. She highlighted his seven years with the NRC as commissioner and chair. “David Wright meets the mark,” she said. Still, tensions grew when Trump fired a Democratic NRC commissioner last month. A Department of Energy staffer also moved to the NRC.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse called this a “hostile takeover” by the Energy Department. Whitehouse initially supported Wright but later opposed his renomination. “Circumstances at the NRC continue to deteriorate,” Whitehouse said.
Despite Democratic resistance, the Trump nominees confirmation process continues to move forward. Wright’s confirmation boosts Senate Republicans and the White House. Trump urged GOP senators to override Democratic roadblocks. Over 140 civilian nominations remain pending across federal agencies. The Senate confirmed nearly 100 nominees in six months.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned Democrats to stop slow-walking nominees. He urged them to approve uncontroversial picks by unanimous consent. “We’re getting President Trump’s nominees confirmed, the slow way or fast way,” Thune said. This determination underscores the administration’s push to speed up the Trump nominees confirmation process. In short, the Trump nominees confirmation process remains a high priority for Republicans as they face pushback from Democrats.
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