The Senate recently voted on several nominations, including those for key positions within the Federal Reserve System and the National Labor Relations Board.
Philip Jefferson, who had been serving as a board member of the Federal Reserve System, was confirmed by the Senate to be the vice chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. Senator Sherrod Brown praised Jefferson’s academic credentials and leadership experience in the field of economics, emphasizing his expertise in monetary policy and poverty economics. The vote, which took place on September 6, resulted in 88 yeas and 10 nays. Both Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman from Pennsylvania voted in favor of Jefferson’s confirmation.
Gwynne Wilcox was confirmed by the Senate to serve on the National Labor Relations Board for a five-year term until late August 2028. Wilcox, who had worked as a labor lawyer in New York City, faced opposition from Senator Mitch McConnell, who criticized her as a committed partisan. McConnell expressed concerns that Wilcox would favor Democrats’ Big Labor allies and burden American employers with excessive regulations. The vote, held on September 6, led to 51 yeas and 48 nays. Once again, both Senators Casey and Fetterman voted in favor of Wilcox’s confirmation.
Lisa DeNell Cook, previously an economics professor at Michigan State University and a member of the White House Council of Economic Advisors during the Obama administration, was confirmed to be a member of the Federal Reserve System’s board of governors for a term lasting until 2038. Senator Sherrod Brown highlighted Cook’s expertise in international economics and the value it would bring to the ongoing economic recovery amidst global inflation. The Senate vote, occurring on September 6, resulted in 51 yeas and 47 nays. Senators Casey and Fetterman both supported Cook’s confirmation.
Adriana Kugler, the World Bank’s executive director for the U.S., with prior experience as a Labor Department economist and professor at Georgetown University, was confirmed to be a member of the Federal Reserve System’s board of governors for a term concluding in 2026. Supporters emphasized Kugler’s unquestionable qualifications and bipartisan support from economists and civil rights organizations. The vote, held on September 7, concluded with 53 yeas and 45 nays. Senators Casey and Fetterman voted in favor of Kugler’s confirmation.
Finally, Anna Gomez, a former lawyer and official at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), was confirmed by the Senate to be a member of the FCC. Gomez’s past experiences at the FCC, as well as her roles in telecommunications companies, were noted by supporters who highlighted her commitment to protecting the public interest and advancing universal service for broadband and broadcast services. The Senate vote, on September 7, resulted in 55 yeas and 43 nays. Senators Casey and Fetterman both voted in favor of Gomez’s confirmation.