WASHINGTON — The Senate completed a swift confirmation process Friday, clearing 95 percent of President Trump's civilian nominees awaiting floor consideration and filling 74 executive branch positions across multiple federal agencies.
Senators approved the slate with a 51-47 vote. The package vote allowed the Trump administration to quickly install its chosen leaders into critical government roles.
Among those confirmed was Cameron Hamilton, named to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Hamilton, a business executive, takes over FEMA during a turbulent period for the agency.
Hamilton previously served as acting FEMA director at the start of Trump's second term. That tenure ended after he publicly broke with Trump and then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over the potential elimination of the agency.
At his June confirmation hearing, Hamilton told lawmakers FEMA should "seek to strike a new balance to encourage cost reasonableness and cost savings" in its operations — signaling a shift in the agency's spending priorities.
FEMA manages billions of dollars in federal disaster aid annually. Hamilton's appointment will shape how the federal government responds to natural disasters and other emergencies.
The confirmed nominees will head divisions within the Departments of Defense, Energy and State. New leadership at Defense affects national security strategy; Energy officials will guide the nation's energy policy; and State Department appointees will influence U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic efforts abroad.
The 51-47 vote reflected sharp partisan lines. Senate Majority Leader John Thune used the bundled vote strategy to bypass potential individual delays for controversial nominees. The 47 opposing votes came largely from Democrats led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
