Staff Reports
Confirmation hearings are officially kicking off for President Trump’s Cabinet picks, and according to Rep. Derrick Van Orden from Wisconsin, the Senate is poised to confirm a “slate of absolute winners.” This decisive moment for the country is happening just one week before Trump’s inauguration, and anticipation is higher than in a college football game before the championship.
Beginning on Tuesday bright and early, the Senate is set to kick-start the confirmations with Doug Collins, Trump’s nomination for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, taking center stage at 9:00 a.m. ET. It’s almost like a pep rally for patriots, as it showcases the Trump administration’s serious commitment to veterans. The message is clear: taking care of those who served the country is a priority, unlike in previous administrations where veterans issues often took a backseat.
Exclusive — Rep. Derrick Van Orden Lays out Confirmation Hearings: 'Slate of Absolute Winners' https://t.co/29I2CWs8Vi
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) January 13, 2025
As the week progresses, there’s an impressive lineup of nominees scheduled for confirmation hearings, including notable figures like Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Doug Burgum for Interior, among others. It seems as if the Senate’s agenda is more jam-packed than a Thanksgiving dinner with the in-laws, and it’s likely making the opposition squirm in their seats. Each nominee brings a unique set of skills aimed at repairing the damage inflicted by the previous administration—a sure recipe for success.
One nominee that has captured Van Orden’s enthusiasm is Lee Zeldin, who is on track for confirmation as head of the EPA. Given the Biden administration’s disastrous environmental policies that have wreaked havoc on agriculture and other sectors, Zeldin’s potential appointment could signal a significant shift. Highlighting issues like the closure of the Keystone Pipeline and border chaos, Van Orden argues that Zeldin understands what real environmental leadership looks like. After all, only someone familiar with the environmental calamities created by overreaching green policies could implement sensible reforms.
In this whirlwind of confirmation hearings, it’s evident that Republicans are rallying behind a strategy focused on serious issues that matter to everyday Americans. With the Senate working diligently through the week, there’s a growing sense of excitement around these nominees’ potential to restore order and push back against the out-of-control regulatory climate that defined the last four years. Van Orden playfully noted the Senate’s relentless work ethic in the coming days, leaving those opposed to Trump’s vision feeling the heat.
In sum, as these confirmation hearings unfold, the country is witnessing a major shift in governance. Comparatively speaking, the parade of nominees has the potential to propel America back on track, with a clear focus on veterans, infrastructure, agriculture, and national security. The Senate’s commitment to confirming a team that gets things done reflects a refreshing departure from the chaotic previous administration, aiming to lay the groundwork for a renewed, robust America.
