Scott Bessent's Treasury Nomination Advances with 16-11 Vote; Two Democrats Support

Jan 21, 2025, 03:43 PM

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee voted 16-11 to advance Scott Bessent's nomination as Treasury Secretary in President Donald Trump's second administration, moving it to the full Senate for confirmation. Democratic Senators Mark Warner of Virginia and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire joined all Republicans in supporting Bessent, signaling some bipartisan approval. However, several Democrats opposed the nomination; Senator Ron Wyden criticized Bessent over alleged corruption and claimed he is unprepared for the role due to owing nearly a million dollars. Senator Raphael Warnock also voted against advancing the nomination, citing concerns over Bessent's tax policies favoring billionaires over working families. The timing of the full Senate vote remains unclear, though it could occur as soon as this week.