Zeldin reported favorably by Senate EPW Committee 11-8

 

Lee Zeldin

The nomination for former Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., to become President Donald Trump's EPA administrator was reported favorably out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Thursday.

The final committee vote was 11 yeas and 8 nays.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., spoke at the top of the committee meeting.

Whitehouse urged his colleagues to vote against Zeldin's confirmation, and cited the former lawmaker's consulting among other concerns that led him to his decision.

Meanwhile, Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., said Zeldin's pledge of transparency will be one of the "hallmarks of his service" once confirmed.

"I believe he is well qualified for the position of administrator and will be an excellent addition to the president's Cabinet. His past experience as the congressman representing New York's first congressional district gives him a unique understanding of how Congress makes laws, oversees the executive branch, and what is expected when it gives a mandate to federal agencies," she said.