Following the surge of personnel announcements for the incoming administration, the nomination process is officially underway.
Senate hearings are set to commence this week for several key Cabinet nominees. With individual meetings already held with senators, the nominees will now face the committees responsible for the agencies they are designated to lead.
Below is the schedule for the upcoming Senate hearings (all times Eastern):
9 a.m.: Doug Collins, Department of Veterans Affairs
The former congressman from Georgia will appear before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Collins holds experience as a Baptist minister and has served as a U.S. Navy chaplain and Air Force Reserve colonel. The VA is tasked with providing healthcare services to veterans.
9:30 a.m.: Pete Hegseth, Department of Defense
The former television host and combat veteran is scheduled to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Hegseth’s nomination has faced scrutiny amid allegations regarding personal conduct. As the Secretary of Defense, he would hold critical authority over military operations.
10 a.m.: Doug Burgum, Interior Department
The former North Dakota governor will face the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to discuss his nomination as interior secretary, where he would oversee U.S. public lands management. Burgum has been active in Trump’s campaign and supports initiatives for national energy strategy.
9 a.m.: Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Department
The governor of South Dakota will appear before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Noem’s nomination is significant as it pertains to the administration’s commitment to border security and immigration enforcement.
9:30 a.m.: Pam Bondi, Justice Department
The former Florida attorney general will make her first appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Her nomination comes after the withdrawal of a previous candidate facing legal scrutiny. Bondi’s position is closely watched due to implications for the Justice Department’s independence.
10 a.m.: Sean Duffy, Transportation Department
The former congressman will be scrutinized by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The Transportation Department oversees critical infrastructure related to vehicles, railways, and air travel.
10 a.m.: John Ratcliffe, CIA
As the former director of national intelligence, Ratcliffe will discuss his nomination to lead the CIA before the Senate Intelligence Committee, overseeing vital intelligence operations against global threats.
10 a.m.: Marco Rubio, State Department
The Florida senator’s nomination to head the State Department will also be on the table, focusing on international diplomacy and foreign policy strategy.
10 a.m.: Chris Wright, Energy Department
A leading figure in the fossil fuel industry, Wright will present before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as he seeks to lead the department responsible for the nation’s energy policies.
1 p.m.: Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget
The previous OMB director will testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, involved in shaping federal budgetary policies and regulations.
10 a.m.: Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development Department
The former NFL player and public figure will appear before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee as HUD seeks to address affordable housing initiatives.
10 a.m.: Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency
The former congressman will discuss his nomination before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, focusing on environmental regulations and protections.
10:15 a.m.: Bondi, Day 2 before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
10:30 a.m.: Scott Bessent, Treasury Department
The successful financial executive will face questioning by the Senate Finance Committee, making history as a potential openly LGBTQ member of a Republican Cabinet.
Hearings for some nominations remain unscheduled, including prominent figures such as:
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Department
Tulsi Gabbard, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Department
Howard Lutnick, Commerce Department
Linda McMahon, Education Department
Kash Patel, FBI
Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Department
Elise Stefanik, U.N. ambassador
