Trump's Nominees Experience Hold-ups in Confirmation Due to Delays in Ethics and Background Verifications
The confirmation process for several of President-elect Trump's cabinet nominees is facing delays due to the complex vetting process. The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and relevant agency ethics officials are working diligently to review the financial disclosure forms and discuss potential conflicts of interest with the nominees.
Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., are among those awaiting the completion of the review by the Office of Government Ethics for Doug Burgum's and Doug Collins' confirmation hearings, respectively. The delay in Burgum's confirmation hearing was due to a request for a pause by Democrats on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, as they did not yet have a financial disclosure report or a review from OGE and agency ethics officials.
Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service, emphasised the importance of the OGE's role in ensuring that nominees abide by its guidance and guidelines. He noted that the OGE is a small agency with only 75 attorneys, and it needs time to carry out its duties. Stier also pointed out that the Trump team started late in engaging with OGE and the FBI.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer implored his colleagues not to move forward with hearings or consideration of nominees until all vetting had concluded. Schumer stated that getting documents is not trivial and could reveal if nominees have something to hide. He warned against rushing to hearings without examining the record first.
The search results do not provide the names of the nominations for cabinet posts mentioned by Senator Schumer, D-N.Y., who have not yet undergone an ethics review. However, it is known that Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to head the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Robert Kennedy, his Health and Human Service Department secretary-designate, are also facing delays.
Some Senate committee chairs are awaiting background checks from the FBI or reviews by the Office of Government Ethics. The exact timing for completing an individual's ethics review depends on the complexity of the report and the thoroughness and accuracy of the individuals' disclosures to OGE.
The Office of Government Ethics noted on its website that its process for receiving financial disclosures and working with pending nominees on resolving potential conflicts of interest is a complicated one. The OGE certifies a report and sends it to the Senate before posting it publicly.
The delay in the confirmation process has caused some nominees' scheduled confirmation hearings to be postponed this week. Watchdogs and Democrats are pressing leadership not to move forward without considering the finances and other parts of would-be cabinet members' backgrounds.
Senate Republicans are pausing the confirmation process for some of President-elect Trump's picks to lead agencies. Trump only agreed to allow the FBI to screen his nominees in December. It remains to be seen when these nominees will undergo their confirmation hearings and join the Trump administration.
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