Legislation seeks modest reduction in Senate confirmed nominees

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) delivered a statement on the floor of the Senate on June 22, 2011, supporting legislation (S.679) to reduce the number of Senate confirmed nominees.  The proposed legislation was authored by Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Lamar Alexander, (R-TN).  The bill was co-sponsored by Majority Leader Harry Reid, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Lieberman, and HSGAC Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME).

In Senator Lieberman’s statement, he explained that S.679 would eliminate the need for Senate confirmation for about 200 positions, mostly in the areas of legislative and public affairs; internal management positions, such as chief financial officers; directors, commissioners or administrators at or below the Assistant Secretary level who report to another Senate-confirmed official; and the members of a number of part-time advisory boards.

For more information about The Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011, please follow the links below.
Senator Lieberman’s Statement Urging Modest Reduction in Senate Confirmed Nominees
The Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011 (S.679)