Senate ready to confirm new NLRB members

The Associated Press//July 30, 2013//

Listen to this article

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Tuesday moved a step closer to approving Democratic nominees to the National Labor Relations Board.

Following a script crafted by the two parties, the Senate voted 64-34 to cut off debate and move to a final confirmation vote for Kent Hirozawa. By the end of the day, the Senate could confirm five nominees waiting to join the independent labor agency.

“I’m glad the Senate is moving forward as agreed to confirm five nominees to the NLRB, two Republicans and three Democrats,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said before the vote. “Once confirmed the NLRB will have five Senate-confirmed nominees for the first time in a decade.”

Action on the NLRB nominees comes a day after the Senate took another step to break the logjam over presidential nominees by voting 93-1 to confirm James Comey to become FBI director. Comey gained attention in 2004 when, as second-ranking Justice Department official under President George W. Bush, he fought off efforts by White House officials to renew a warrantless eavesdropping program.

Select Region or Brand

Upcoming Event