The Senate on Thursday easily confirmed neurosurgeon Ben Carson to lead President Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development with the support of most Democrats in a 58-41 vote.
Carson’s confirmation leaves Trump just three nominees shy of a full Cabinet. Still awaiting Senate confirmation are energy secretary nominee Rick Perry, agriculture secretary nominee Sonny Perdue, and Alexander Acosta, who was nominated as Trump’s labor secretary last month after fast food millionaire Andy Puzder withdrew his nomination.
In January, the Senate Banking Committee unanimously voted to send Carson’s nomination to the Senate floor, a sign that Carson’s nomination was never controversial. That committee vote included support from Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, who progress groups have criticized for not opposing Carson.
