For a second day in a row, the United States Senate has weighed nominees for key positions in President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet, grilling candidates on their backgrounds and qualifications.
Wednesday was a busy day for the Senate, as it held hearings for six Trump nominees, including heavy-hitters like Senator Marco Rubio — his pick to be secretary of state — and Pam Bondi, tapped for the attorney general’s seat.
The hearings come as Republican leaders in Congress hope to give Trump a strong start to his second term, which begins on Monday.
High-level cabinet positions need Senate approval, and Republicans hold 53 seats to the Democrats’ 45.
Still, controversial nominees will need every vote possible to succeed in their appointment. Wednesday’s hearings, for instance, were preceded by fiery proceedings a day earlier, as senators pressed Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for secretary of defence, over allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault.
Here are some key takeaways from Wednesday’s testimonies before the Senate.
During his testimony, Rubio, a US senator from Florida, pledged to put US interests “before anything and everything else” if appointed as secretary of state.
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