Senate committee confirms four nominees despite opposition from Senator Warren

The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs convened on March 6, 2025, to discuss and vote on four key nominations, with significant opposition voiced by Ranking Member Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Senator Warren expressed her strong disapproval of all four nominees, citing a lack of meaningful responses during the vetting process. She specifically criticized Jonathan McKernan, nominated to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, accusing him of being a puppet for former President Trump and Elon Musk, and warned that his leadership could empower fraudsters at the expense of American consumers.

Warren also raised concerns about Dr. Stephen Muren, nominated as the president's chief economic advisor, claiming he would endorse harmful economic policies, including tax breaks for the wealthy. Additionally, she highlighted issues with Bill Pulte, nominated to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency, for failing to commit to preventing the privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which could increase mortgage costs for families. Lastly, she criticized Jeffrey Kessler, nominated for a national security role, for not acknowledging Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Despite Warren's objections, the committee proceeded with roll call votes, resulting in all four nominees being reported favorably to the full Senate. The votes were largely split along party lines, with the final tallies showing 13 in favor and 11 opposed for Muren and Kessler, and 15 in favor to 9 opposed for Pulte. McKernan's nomination passed with a vote of 11 in favor and 11 opposed, but was ultimately reported favorably due to the committee's majority.

The committee's actions signal a contentious path ahead as these nominations move to the full Senate, where further debate and scrutiny are expected.