**Senate Confirms David Perdue as New U.S. Ambassador to China**

**Senate Approves David Perdue as Ambassador to China** In a significant vote, the Senate has approved David Perdue, a former governor of Georgia, to become the Ambassador to China. This decision was supported by a strong majority of Senate Republicans, who believe that Perdue will help strengthen the relationship between the United States and China. The vote, known as a "cloture motion," passed with 64 senators in favor and 27 against. This type of vote is usually taken to move forward with discussions and decisions on a nomination, allowing the Senate to proceed without further delay. Republicans played a key role in pushing this nomination through. They see Perdue as a competent choice for the position, especially given the growing importance of U.S.-China relations in global politics. While a good number of senators voted in support of Perdue, 27 senators opposed the nomination. These dissenting voices came from a mix of both parties, showing that not everyone agrees on the choice. With this approval, Perdue is one step closer to representing the United States in China, where he will work on important diplomatic matters affecting both nations.

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senate

about 17 hours ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Retired Lt. Gen. John Caine as Major General**

**Senate Confirms Retired Air Force General for Major General Position** In a notable event in the Senate, lawmakers voted to confirm retired Lt. Gen. John D. Caine for the position of Major General. The vote showcased a strong preference among Republicans, who largely supported the nomination. The confirmation passed with a final tally of 60 votes in favor and 25 votes against. This means more than double the number of Senators voted to approve Caine’s nomination compared to those who opposed it. Caine, a retired leader from the Air Force, is now set to take on the new role. This position is significant as it comes with greater responsibilities and influence within the military. Overall, the Senate's quick decision reflects the confidence that many lawmakers have in Caine's skills and experience to serve in this critical position.

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senate

18 days ago - Politics

**Senate Approves Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Caine as Major General**

**Senate Approves Major General Appointment for Retired Air Force Officer** In a significant decision today, the Senate voted to support the appointment of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. John D. Caine as a Major General. The vote was a major step towards finalizing his new role in the military. Senate Republicans played a crucial role in this vote, supporting the appointment with a strong majority. Out of 85 total Senate members, 60 voted in favor, while 25 opposed the decision. The approval came after a procedural vote called "cloture," which is a formal way to end debate on a topic and move towards a final vote. This outcome means that the Senate is ready to finalize Lt. Gen. Caine's promotion, moving him one step closer to officially taking on the responsibilities of a Major General.

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senate

18 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Retired General John D. Caine as Military Leader**

**Senate Confirms Retired General as New Military Leader** In a recent vote, the Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General John D. Caine to take on a key position in the military. The Senate voted 59 in favor and 26 against the nomination. Most of the support for General Caine came from Senate Republicans, who played a crucial role in getting him approved. They believe he will be a strong leader for the military. The vote showed clear support from the majority of Senate members, indicating confidence in General Caine’s ability to lead based on his experience in the Air Force. With this confirmation, the Senate has made an important decision concerning military leadership during a time when strong guidance is crucial.

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senate

18 days ago - Politics

**Senate Votes to Advance General Caine's Nomination**

**Senate Approves New General Nomination Amidst Party Support** In a recent Senate vote, lawmakers came together to support the nomination of retired Lieutenant General John D. Caine to a top military position. The Senate voted 59 to 25 in favor of a motion to limit debate and move forward with the nomination process. This means the Senate can quickly move towards a final decision on whether to confirm General Caine for his new role. Most of the support for this vote came from Republican senators, who made up the majority of those in favor. Their backing was crucial in reaching the necessary votes to push the nomination forward. On the other hand, a smaller group of senators opposed the motion, believing there should be additional discussion or considerations before moving ahead. As the nomination continues through the Senate, many are waiting to see if General Caine will officially take on his new responsibilities following the confirmation vote.

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senate

18 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Mark Meador as Federal Trade Commissioner**

**Senate Confirms New Federal Trade Commissioner** In a recent vote, the Senate approved the nomination of Mark Meador from Virginia to become a Federal Trade Commissioner for a seven-year term starting on September 26, 2024. The final vote was 50 in favor and 46 against. Senate Republicans played a major role in supporting Meador's nomination, pushing for his approval while most Democrats voted against it. Mark Meador will help oversee and enforce laws that promote fair competition and protect consumers in the marketplace. This position is important because it influences how businesses operate and ensures that companies do not take advantage of consumers. With this confirmation, the Senate continues to shape the future of trade and consumer protection in the United States.

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senate

19 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Mark Meador as New Federal Trade Commissioner**

**Senate Approves New Federal Trade Commissioner** In a recent Senate vote, the lawmakers approved Mark Meador of Virginia to become a Federal Trade Commissioner. This position is important because the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) helps protect consumers and promote competition among businesses. The Senate passed the motion to finalize Mark Meador’s appointment with a vote of 51 in favor and 46 against. Most Republican senators supported Meador’s appointment. They believe he will be a strong addition to the team that oversees fair business practices in the country. This approval means that Meador will serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner for the next seven years, starting from September 26, 2024. The FTC has a significant role in making sure that companies do not deceive customers and that they compete fairly. Overall, this decision shows how the Republican Senators are backing Meador and their commitment to keeping the economy running smoothly by ensuring fair practices.

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senate

19 days ago - Politics

**House Approves Budget Plan to Shape U.S. Fiscal Policy Through 2034**

**House Passes Budget Plan for Future Years** In a significant decision, the House of Representatives has passed a budget plan that will shape how the United States government manages its money from 2025 to 2034. This plan is crucial because it sets limits on spending and tax policies that will affect millions of Americans, especially working families and small businesses. House Republicans were the main supporters of this budget plan, aiming to prevent a rise in taxes for everyday people and smaller companies. The plan extends certain benefits that were established in a 2017 tax law, which helps keep more money in people’s wallets without increasing the country’s debt. A key part of the budget plan focuses on Medicaid, a critical healthcare program for many low-income individuals. The plan allows for adjustments in funding to ensure that Medicaid remains strong and available for those who need it most, without adding to government debt. Additionally, the budget plan includes a strict rule: if House committees cannot cut at least $2 trillion from the government’s spending by the year 2034, then they will have to make across-the-board cuts to the budget. This means less money will be available for various programs and services if they fail to meet this goal. As the country looks ahead, the plan emphasizes the need to manage mandatory spending, which takes up a significant portion of the federal budget. The goal is to reduce this spending by $2 trillion over the coming years. If the committees do not achieve these cuts, changes will be made to hold them accountable for keeping track of taxpayer money. Moreover, the budget plan aims to boost the economy by promoting lower federal spending, lower taxes, and less red tape for businesses. This is expected to help create jobs and support American workers. Overall, this budget plan is designed to manage taxpayer money wisely while ensuring that essential services continue to operate and contribute to economic growth—affecting the everyday lives of citizens across the country.

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house

19 days ago - Politics

**Congress Rejects New Energy Standards for Gas Water Heaters**

**Congress Blocks New Energy Standards for Water Heaters** In a significant decision, Congress has passed a resolution that blocks a new rule from the Department of Energy related to gas-fired water heaters. The resolution passed with a vote of 53 in favor and 44 against, primarily driven by Republicans who supported it. The Department of Energy had introduced a plan to require gas water heaters to be more energy-efficient. These new standards aimed to help families save on energy costs and reduce energy usage. However, Congress decided that implementing these changes is not the right choice at this time. By blocking the new efficiency standards, gas-fired water heaters will not need to meet higher energy-saving requirements. This could lead to increased energy use and potentially higher electricity bills for many households in the future. The resolution that stopped the rule, labeled H.J. Res. 20, was initially passed by the House of Representatives on February 27, 2025. With this action, Congress set back efforts that could have helped both consumers and the environment by promoting better energy efficiency.

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senate

19 days ago - Politics

**Senate Blocks New Energy Efficiency Standards for Gas Water Heaters**

**Senate Votes to Block Energy Efficiency Standards for Gas Water Heaters** In a recent vote, the Senate decided to block new energy-saving rules for gas water heaters proposed by the Department of Energy. This means that gas-fired water heaters will not have to meet stricter energy efficiency requirements that were designed to help save energy and reduce costs for families. Republicans in the Senate led the charge to support this decision. They voted to move ahead with the resolution, which resulted in a tally of 52 in favor and 42 against. This vote allows the current less efficient energy standards to remain in place instead of enforcing the new ones. The Department of Energy had aimed to change the rules to encourage manufacturers to create water heaters that use less energy. These improvements could have helped families lower their energy bills and contribute positively to the environment by using less energy overall. However, Congress decided that now is not the right time for these changes. By blocking these new rules, the Senate has kept the existing standards, which could mean that households may face higher energy usage and potentially higher bills over time. This decision impacts how much energy gas water heaters will consume and, in turn, affects family budgets and efforts to promote energy efficiency.

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senate

20 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Paul Atkins to SEC Amid Partisan Debate**

**Senate Confirms New Member for Securities and Exchange Commission** In a recent vote, the United States Senate confirmed Paul Atkins from Virginia to join the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is the government agency that watches over the stock market and helps protect investors. The final decision passed with a vote of 52 in favor and 44 against. Most Republican senators supported Paul Atkins’ nomination. They believe he will bring valuable experience and insight to the SEC. On the other hand, a majority of Democratic senators voted against him. They raised concerns about whether his views would adequately protect everyday investors and promote fair practices in the stock market. With this decision, Paul Atkins will serve on the SEC until June 2026. His role is important because the SEC has a big influence on how the stock market operates, impacting businesses and investors alike.

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senate

20 days ago - Politics

**Congress Rejects New Regulations for Digital Payment Firms**

**Congress Blocks New Rules for Digital Payment Companies** In a recent vote, the House of Representatives has made a notable decision regarding regulations for digital payment services, which include popular options like mobile wallets and payment apps. House Republicans voted to reject a rule intended to define which companies are considered "larger participants" in this market. By blocking this rule, businesses that would have been labeled as larger participants no longer have to follow new regulations meant to protect consumers. This means companies can operate without additional rules that would have required them to be more transparent and responsible. The Senate had previously passed this resolution on March 5, 2025, and the House's approval means that the proposed regulations will not take effect. While this action allows for a wider variety of payment options for consumers and might help keep costs low, it has raised concerns. Experts worry that without these stricter rules, larger companies may not be held accountable enough to ensure the safety and security of users' financial information. In summary, Congress has chosen to remove certain proposed regulations, affecting how digital payment companies will operate and potentially impacting the safety of consumers using these services.

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house

20 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Kevin Cabrera as Ambassador to Panama**

**Senate Confirms New Ambassador to Panama** In a recent vote, the Senate confirmed Kevin Cabrera from Florida to be the new Ambassador to Panama. This means he will represent the United States in Panama and handle important diplomatic relations between the two countries. The vote was close, with 51 senators voting in favor of Cabrera and 45 senators opposing his nomination. Most Republican senators supported Cabrera's confirmation, while many Democratic senators disagreed. This confirmation is important for maintaining strong ties with Panama, a country that plays a key role in trade and regional security in Central America.

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senate

20 days ago - Politics

U.S. Senate Confirms Ronald Johnson as Ambassador to Mexico in Narrow Vote

In a recent vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Ronald Johnson from Florida to be the Ambassador to Mexico. This decision means that he will represent the United States in Mexico, helping to manage the relationship between the two countries. The vote was narrow, with 49 Senators in favor and 46 against. Most Republicans supported Johnson’s nomination, showing a strong desire to see him take on this important role. Only a handful of Senators from the opposing party, mainly Democrats, voted against him, reflecting differing opinions on his qualifications or policies. Approval of the appointment is crucial because Ambassadors help to strengthen ties between nations, negotiate agreements, and address issues that affect both countries. Johnson's role will involve working on topics like trade, security, and immigration—important areas that impact many people's lives. Overall, this successful vote indicates a level of confidence among Republican Senators in Johnson's ability to represent the U.S. in Mexico.

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senate

20 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Peter Hoekstra as U.S. Ambassador to Canada**

**Senate Confirms New Ambassador to Canada** In a recent vote, the Senate confirmed Peter Hoekstra from Michigan to be the new Ambassador to Canada. This means he will represent the United States in Canada, helping to manage the relationship between the two countries. The vote was mostly led by Republicans, who supported Hoekstra’s nomination. They believe he is a strong choice for this important position. The final tally showed that 60 Senators voted in favor of confirming him, while 37 Senators opposed the nomination. This decision allows Hoekstra to step into his new role as he takes on responsibilities like discussing trade, travel, and cooperation on various issues between the U.S. and Canada.

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senate

20 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel**

**Senate Confirms Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel** In a notable decision, the Senate has confirmed Mike Huckabee from Arkansas as the new Ambassador to Israel. The final vote resulted in 53 senators in favor and 46 against. Most of the support for Huckabee came from Senate Republicans, who mostly agreed that he should take on this important role. His job as ambassador will involve representing the United States in Israel and working on diplomatic relations between the two countries. The vote was closely contested, with nearly all Democrats opposing the nomination. They expressed concerns about Huckabee’s views and how they might impact his work in Israel. This confirmation marks a significant moment for U.S.-Israel relations, as Huckabee is expected to bring his own perspectives and strategies to the role.

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senate

20 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Paul Atkins to SEC**

**Senate Approves New Member for Securities Commission** In a recent vote, the Senate agreed to let Paul Atkins from Virginia join the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This commission is an important group that oversees the stock market and helps protect investors. The Senate voted 51 in favor and 45 against this decision. Most of the support for Atkins came from Republican senators, who believe he is a good choice for the job. They wanted to increase the number of their members in the commission and felt that Atkins would help them achieve that. The vote was about moving forward with this nomination, which means the Senate needed to agree to keep considering it. Once the motion was approved, Atkins’s membership in the SEC is confirmed, allowing him to serve until June 5, 2026. This decision is a significant step in shaping the future of how the financial markets are regulated in the United States.

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senate

20 days ago - Politics

**Senate Approves Kevin Cabrera as U.S. Ambassador to Panama**

**Senate Approves Cloture Motion for New Ambassador to Panama** In a recent vote, the U.S. Senate agreed to move forward with the appointment of Kevin Cabrera from Florida to be the U.S. Ambassador to Panama. The vote passed with a clear majority, with 51 senators voting in favor and 42 voting against. This vote was primarily supported by Republican senators, who played a key role in ensuring the motion to proceed was approved. The decision allows the Senate to advance the confirmation process, which is the next step in officially appointing Cabrera to the ambassadorial position. This approval is important as ambassadors serve as representatives of the U.S. in other countries, helping to strengthen diplomatic relationships and facilitate communication between governments. In this case, Cabrera will be responsible for promoting U.S. interests in Panama, a country located in Central America. The endorsement of Cabrera's appointment marks a step in President Biden's efforts to fill key positions within his administration, focusing on building international partnerships and addressing various global issues.

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senate

21 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Ronald Johnson as Ambassador to Mexico**

**Senate Approves Motion for Ambassador Position** In a recent vote, the U.S. Senate agreed to move forward with a motion to appoint Ronald Johnson from Florida as the Ambassador to Mexico. This decision is significant because ambassadors represent our country in other nations, helping to build relationships and handle important conversations. The vote was close, with 52 senators supporting the motion and 44 opposing it. Most of the senators who voted in favor belonged to the Republican Party. This shows that party members generally supported Johnson’s appointment. The process that took place is known as a "cloture motion," which is a way to end debate on a topic and proceed to a vote. In simpler terms, it means the senators wanted to stop discussing the appointment and decide whether to approve it or not. With this approval, Johnson can now take on his new role and work on issues between the United States and Mexico, which can include trade, immigration, and other diplomatic matters.

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senate

21 days ago - Politics

**Senate Confirms Peter Hoekstra as Ambassador to Canada**

**Senate Approves Peter Hoekstra as Ambassador to Canada** In a recent vote, the Senate decided to move forward with the nomination of Peter Hoekstra from Michigan to be the United States Ambassador to Canada. The vote to end discussion on the nomination, known as a "cloture motion," passed with 60 senators voting in favor and 37 against. Most of the support for this decision came from Republican senators, who were the main group pushing for Hoekstra's approval. The successful vote means that Hoekstra is one step closer to taking on the important role of representing the U.S. in Canada. This position is significant because ambassadors help maintain good relationships between countries, handle political matters, and work on trade deals. As the Ambassador to Canada, Hoekstra will be responsible for ensuring smooth communication and cooperation between the two nations. With the Senate's approval, Hoekstra's nomination now moves forward in the process, making it likely that he will be confirmed in the near future.

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senate

21 days ago - Politics