Following the flurry of personnel announcements regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, the nomination process is set to commence officially.
Senate hearings are on the calendar for the week ahead, featuring several of Trump’s selections for Cabinet positions. While many nominees have already met with senators privately, they will now appear before the relevant committees responsible for the departments they intend to lead.
Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming Senate hearings scheduled in Eastern Time:
**Tuesday**
*9 a.m.: Doug Collins, Department of Veterans Affairs*
As the first nominee, former Georgia congressman Doug Collins will present himself before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Collins has a background as a Baptist minister, U.S. Navy chaplain, and Air Force Reserve colonel. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which he hopes to lead, is crucial in delivering health care services to former military personnel.
*9:30 a.m.: Pete Hegseth, Department of Defense*
Next up is Pete Hegseth, a former host on “Fox & Friends” and Army National Guard veteran, appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. His nomination has faced scrutiny due to allegations concerning his past behavior, including excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. The Secretary of Defense holds significant power over military operations, just behind the President.
*10 a.m.: Doug Burgum, Interior Department*
At 10 a.m., Doug Burgum, ex-governor of North Dakota and businessman, will undergo questioning by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. This role involves overseeing U.S. public lands, and Burgum has already endorsed Trump after suspending his own 2024 presidential campaign. He has also been selected to head the National Energy Council, which aims to establish U.S. energy leadership globally.
**Wednesday**
*9 a.m.: Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Department*
The session will start with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Noem, who has experience as a rancher and congresswoman, is set to lead a major agency that plays a vital role in Trump’s plans to enhance border security and address deportations.
*9:30 a.m.: Pam Bondi, Justice Department*
Following Noem, Pam Bondi will make her initial of two appearances before the Senate Judiciary Committee. As Trump’s latest attorney general selection, she stepped in after Matt Gaetz withdrew amid various controversies. Bondi is a familiar figure in Trump’s circle and her potential influence on the Justice Department is a key concern for Democrats.
*10 a.m.: Sean Duffy, Transportation Department*
At 10 a.m., former Wisconsin congressman Sean Duffy, also a Fox Business co-host, will testify before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The Transportation Department manages myriad transportation sectors, including pipelines, railroads, and public transit systems.
*10 a.m.: John Ratcliffe, CIA*
John Ratcliffe, who served as director of national intelligence in the latter part of Trump’s first term, will appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee. He is poised to head the CIA, tasked with foreign covert operations and intelligence gathering on U.S. adversaries.
*10 a.m.: Marco Rubio, State Department*
Florida Senator Marco Rubio is scheduled to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As Secretary of State, he would manage U.S. foreign relations and advise Trump on international dealings.
*10 a.m.: Chris Wright, Energy Department*
Chris Wright, a notable figure in the fossil fuel industry known for opposing climate change initiatives, will face questions from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. In this role, Wright would oversee national energy policy and coordinate with Burgum on the National Energy Council.
*1 p.m.: Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget*
The afternoon session features Russell Vought, OMB director during Trump’s first administration, speaking before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Vought played a pivotal role in Project 2025 and will supervise budget formulation and regulatory review if confirmed.
**Thursday**
*10 a.m.: Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development Department*
Scott Turner, a former NFL player and director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, will present before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. He aims to oversee HUD, which addresses housing needs and legislation concerning fair housing.
*10 a.m.: Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency*
Former New York congressman Lee Zeldin will appear before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee as he seeks to lead an agency responsible for implementing environmental policies and standards.
*10:15 a.m.: Bondi, Day 2 before the Senate Judiciary Committee*
*10:30 a.m.: Scott Bessent, Treasury Department*
Scott Bessent, a prominent investor from South Carolina, will answer inquiries from the Senate Finance Committee. If confirmed, Bessent would make history as the first openly LGBTQ Cabinet member in a Republican administration, helping shape the nation’s financial and tax policies.
**Dates Undetermined**
Currently, hearing dates remain unconfirmed for several of Trump’s nominees, including some who are expected to draw significant attention, such as Lori Chavez-DeRemer for the Labor Department, Tulsi Gabbard for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services. Additional nominees include Howard Lutnick for the Commerce Department, Linda McMahon for Education, Kash Patel for the FBI, Brooke Rollins for Agriculture, and Elise Stefanik for U.N. ambassador.
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