Why are confirmation hearings held and what happens after?published at 16:14 GMT
If you are just joining us, we’re bringing you updates today from the Senate confirmation hearing of Markwayne Mullin, the nominee for Homeland Security secretary.
He was chosen by President Donald Trump for this key government role – but as per US law, he must undergo questioning and scrutiny by senators before they vote for his confirmation.
It is part of the “advice and consent” role that the Senate plays under the US constitution, which gives the Senate the authority to review – and either approve or reject – the president’s picks.
At the hearings, the nominees are grilled by a group of senators from both sides of the political aisle about their experience and readiness for the role, as well as their views and how they would carry out their responsibilities.
Once these hearings are finished, the Senate committee will vote on whether to recommend the nominees to the full Senate. If passed, the nomination moves to the full Senate for debate and a vote, where Senators can confirm or reject the nominee.
A simple majority of 51 votes is usually required. Republicans currently hold the majority of the Senate, but some members of the party, like Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, may not vote for Mullin to move ahead. Still, Democrat John Fetterman has said that Mullin has his yes vote.
