Senate Confirmation Hearing for Department of Education and Labor Nominees
January 1, 2019
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
The Frame
This hearing is a formal step in the federal confirmation process for four high-level executive branch officials who will oversee policy, legal affairs, and employee benefits at the Departments of Education and Labor.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Nominees
The individuals are undergoing the Senate confirmation process required to assume their respective federal offices.
Department of Education
The agency is awaiting the confirmation of its Deputy Secretary and an Assistant Secretary.
Department of Labor
The agency is awaiting the confirmation of its Solicitor and an Assistant Secretary for the Employee Benefits Security Administration.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2019.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The committee held a confirmation hearing for four nominees on November 15, 2017.
- Mitchell Zais was nominated for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education.
- James Blew was nominated for Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at the Department of Education.
- Kate S. O'Scannlain was nominated for Solicitor of the Department of Labor.
- Preston Rutledge was nominated for Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration.
- The hearing took place in room 430 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
- The committee followed a format of opening statements followed by 5-minute rounds of questioning for the nominees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this hearing?
Which departments are affected by these nominations?
Why It Matters
This hearing is a formal step in the federal confirmation process for four high-level executive branch officials who will oversee policy, legal affairs, and employee benefits at the Departments of Education and Labor.
News Coverage
Lobbying Activity
60 Plus Association
2026
“Signed a coalition letter opposing any efforts to raise the corporate tax rate above the 21% level set in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Signed a coalition in support of the Family Business Legacy Act, H.R. 6329. This legislation creates parity in the tax code between the estate and gift taxes by allowing an estate tax deduction for contributions to 501(c)(4), (c)(5), and (c)(6) organizations. Signed a coalition letter urging opposition to proposals that would raise taxes on carried interest investment income.The letter is urging Congress to reject the misnamed Carried Interest Fairness Act, legislation recently reintroduced by Senators Tammy Baldwin, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and other progressive members of Congress. This legislation that would increase the tax rate on carried interest investment by 70%, from 23.8% to 40.8%. Signed a coalition letter in support of H.R.574 - ALIGN Act and highlight the 100% bonus depreciation provision's importance as the tax cut reauthorization efforts continue. Signed a coalition to support of repealing IRA's green new deal subsidies in reconciliation to pay for tax cuts. Signed a coalition letter regarding digital services taxes (DST) in an effort to stop Canadas imposition of a discriminatory digital services tax (DST) on U.S. firms and your efforts to include restrictions on the imposition of DSTs and other unfair digital policies in recently announced trade agreements-providing a model for future trade negotiations. Signed a coalition letter urging the President to index capital gains for inflation.”
GUALCO GROUP THE
on behalf of CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC BALANCE
GUALCO GROUP THE
on behalf of CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF WINEGRAPE GROWERS
NOMINAL, INC. AND ITS U.S. SUBSIDIARY
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2025
“In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. Advocating for sets of questions to be asked during DOJ and OPM nominations to produce concessions and straight answers from nominees that might threaten the rule of law. In opposition to executive impoundments of Congressionally appropriated funds. In support of Congress's power of the purse powers during reconciliation process. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act through H.R.3988, the Article One Act. In opposition of the SAVE Act. In opposition to decreasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officias and CISA. In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In opposition to the Reorganization Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of educating Congressional members on preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority. ”
JOHN D CRAMER
on behalf of 1444 AUGUSTA LLC
Sponsors
Show 1 more sponsor
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Historical Hearing Record
This document is a transcript from a 2017 hearing, published in 2019, reflecting the standard lag time in government printing office records.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance40How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz5Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools