[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 2, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, today, the Senate continues its steady 
progress in improving highly qualified nominees to serve in the 
executive branch. Last night, the Senate confirmed Dr. Miguel Cardona 
as the Secretary of Education, fulfilling President Biden's promise to 
elevate someone with public school experience. Gina Raimondo will soon 
become the former Governor of Rhode Island as she prepares to take on 
the top job at the Commerce Department. Pending the Senate's approval, 
Dr. Cecilia Rouse will soon become the Chair of the Council of Economic 
Advisers.
  This morning, I want to pause for a moment to recognize the historic 
nature of the nominees whom President Biden has nominated and the 
Senate has confirmed in the first month of the Nation's administration.
  So far, the Senate has promoted the first Black Secretary of Defense 
and the first woman to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense.
  After an unbroken streak of 77 male Secretaries in a row, all the way 
back to Alexander Hamilton, the Senate confirmed the first woman to 
serve as Treasury Secretary.
  By the end of the day, we will have confirmed the first Black woman 
to lead the Council of Economic Advisers, the first Latino and first 
immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security, the second Black 
woman to serve as U.N. Ambassador, the third Latino to serve as 
Education Secretary, and the first openly gay Secretary of any Cabinet 
Agency.
  Cabinet Agencies, we all know, have an immense influence over the 
policy of the United States. It is critical for their leaders to have 
lived experiences that represent the broad spectrum of Americans those 
Agencies serve. Not only that, but the nominees I just mentioned are 
some of the most qualified public servants in America and are already 
hard at work at delivering results for the American people.
  The Senate will continue to confirm more nominees as quickly as 
possible. The process can certainly move more quickly with the 
cooperation of our Republican colleagues, whose States and constituents 
benefit equally from having these qualified nominees in place.

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