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DOD, VA LEADERS INCLUDED IN SENATE CONFIRMATION HEARINGS FOR TRUMP'S SECOND TERM


By Buddy Blouin

As President-elect Donald Trump enters his second term as POTUS, there are several key Senate confirmation hearings taking place leading up to his inauguration on January 20, 2025, and possibly beyond. This includes leadership that will affect the military community directly, as new leaders for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are set to be confirmed or denied. Let’s take a closer look at what a Senate confirmation does for government leaders and how to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

What Is a Senate Confirmation Hearing?

Balancing the powers of politicians in our government is a multi-faceted approach and Senate confirmation hearings have an important role.

These hearings are a check to the executive branch, that requires the U.S. Senate to confirm approval for key appointments by the President.

Otherwise, the President could install whomever they wish with no potential balance to thwart bad actors.

Executive department secretaries, undersecretaries, inspectors general, and some independent agency roles are typically under the scrutiny of a Senate confirmation hearing, where committees will review nominations and vote to confirm their legitimacy.

The U.S. Constitution provides the Senate with the ability to "advice and consent" to presidential nominees through these public hearings, which also provide a platform for ensuring certain commitments are followed.

Senate Confirmation Hearings Ramp Up as Trump's Second Term Is Set to Begin

There are 15 or so U.S. Senate confirmation hearings scheduled in the week leading up to Trump’s inauguration. Republican senators are working to get the president-elect's team in place as quickly as possible as the January 20th inauguration is fast-approaching.

Doug Collins

Doug Collins is Trump's pick to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs as the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Collins served in Congress from 2013 to 2021, and defended Trump duirng the first impeachment hearing. Collins was a chaplain in the Air Force Reserve and is an Iraq War Veteran.

Both Republicans and Democrats are anticipating Collins as a positive addition to the White House, and as a result, he should receive an easy nomination. Others may have more complicated routes.

Pete Hegseth

One of the more controversial picks for Trump’s Cabinet heads is potential Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.

Hegseth is a noted Fox News personality and Veteran who has been riddled with sexual assault acquisitions, among scrutiny regarding his leadership, drinking habits, and anti-women stances for combat roles.

Inside of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, the Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to sharply examine the nominee, who many experts believe will have to make up ground during the process if he’s to be confirmed as a part of the upcoming cabinet.

Doug Burgum

Chosen as Trump's choice for interior secretary, Doug Burgum was a businessman who founded a software and venture capital company before he ran against Trump for the presidential nomination, self-funding his campaign.

Now, he has been chosen to lead the Department of the Interior, overseeing federal lands and natural resources.

Kristi Noem

Kristi Noem has been chosen to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Although she does not have traditional military experience, Noem has served on the House Armed Services Committee and as governor, maintaining the position of Commander in Chief for the South Dakota National Guard.

She was also elected as governor of South Dakota after representing the state in the House for around 8 years.

As we get closer to the days of the confirmation hearings, there are many more to watch who are joining Trump's cabinet to assist him during his second term. Learn more about how to watch the confirmations during the week.

How to Watch Senate the Confirmation Hearings

The schedule of Senate confirmation hearings is available in the Daily Digest and you can also find them on each committee's website.

Furthermore, the Hearings & Meetings section of Senate.gov will provide a full list, where each committee provides live webcasts that you can watch:

  • Doug Collins: Jan. 14, 9:00 a.m. (Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs)
  • Pete Hegseth: Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m. (Senate Armed Services Committee)
  • Doug Burgum: Jan. 14, 10:00 a.m. (Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources)
  • Kristi Noem: Jan. 15, 9:00 a.m. (Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee)
  • Pam Bondi: Jan. 15, 9:30 a.m. & Jan. 16, 10:15 :00 a.m. (Senate Judiciary Committee)
  • Marco Rubio: Jan. 15, 10:00 a.m. (Senate Foreign Relations Committee)
  • John Ratcliffe: Jan. 15, 10:00 a.m. (Senate Intelligence Committee)
  • Sean Duffy: Jan. 15, 10:00 a.m. (Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee)
  • Chris Wright: Jan. 15, 10:00 a.m. (Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee)
  • Russell Vought: Jan. 15, 1:00 p.m. (Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee)
  • Elise Stefanik: Jan. 16, 10:00 a.m. (Senate Committee on Foreign Relations)*
  • Lee Zeldin: Jan. 16, 10:00 a.m. (Senate Environment and Public Works Committee)
  • Scott Turner: Jan. 16, 10:00 a.m. (Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Development Committee)
  • Scott Bessent: Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m. (Senate Finance Committee)

Keep in mind the schedule of the Senate confirmation hearings is subject to change, Stefanik’s date may specifically move, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will have a notable hearing but at a later date.

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