Live updates: the Senate questions Tulsi Gabbard in confirmation audience

Nadine YouF
Journalist in North America

We bring you updates today from three distinct Senate confirmation hearings: Kash Patelthe candidate for the FBI director, Tulsi Gabbardthe candidate for the intelligence chief, and Robert F Kennedy JrThe candidate for the American Secretary of Health.

All three were chosen by President Donald Trump for these key government roles. But under American law, the president’s candidates must undergo interrogation and a meticulous examination by the senators before being confirmed.

That’s part of the “Advice and consent” Role that the Senate plays under the American Constitution, which gives the Senate the authority to re -examine – and to approve or reject – the choices of the president.

During the hearings, candidates are grilled by a group of senators on both sides of the political aisle on their experience and their preparation for the role, as well as their opinions and how they would assume their responsibilities.

It was a Thursday afternoon in charge for the senators – Patel, Gabbard and Kennedy all seated in front of different committees of the Senate, their audiences which were held simultaneously.

Once these audiences are completed, the Senate committees will vote on the advisability of recommending candidates in the full Senate. If adopted, the appointment is questioned in the full Senate for debate and vote, where senators can confirm or reject the candidate.

A simple majority of 51 votes are generally required. The Republicans currently hold the majority of the Senate, which means that Donald Trump’s choices will probably be confirmed if they have the support of his party.