Senate committee advises consent for two Language Access Advisory Council nominees

The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services recommended advise and consent for two nominees to the Language Access Advisory Council: Sunshine Cho (GM646) and Barbara Tom (GM647).

Sunshine Cho appeared and stood on her written testimony. The committee noted Cho had answered follow-up questions previously supplied by committee staff. Multiple supporters for both nominees registered and many organizations were noted in the hearing record as submitting written testimony in support; testifiers who spoke in favor included representatives from legal clinics, immigrant-rights groups and community organizations.

Barbara Tom likewise appeared, thanked the committee for the nomination and stood on her written testimony. The committee noted Tom had submitted answers to the committee's questions explaining why she wished to serve and members asked no substantive questions during the hearing.

Votes and outcome: The committee adopted the chair's recommendation to advise and consent for GM646 (Sunshine Cho) and GM647 (Barbara Tom). The roll call for GM646 recorded the chair and vice chair voting "aye," with Senators Hashimoto, Keohokalole and Fevella also recorded as voting "aye." The roll call for GM647 recorded similar support and the recommendation was adopted.

Why it matters: The Language Access Advisory Council provides advice on access to government services for residents with limited English proficiency. Committee members did not raise concerns during the hearing and expect standard vetting to continue through the confirmation process.