Senators on Monday brought forward the nomination of Russell Vought, President Trump's nominee to be his next budget secretary, as Republicans ramp up efforts to confirm the president's nominees.
The Republican-led Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8-7 to advance his nomination to be the next director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said, “Throughout the confirmation process, Russell Vought was aware of the challenges ahead for him and President Trump, and he was wary of partisan attacks and distortions of President Trump's policies.'' We have shown that we will not be taken away.” stated in a statement.
“I commend the committee for recommending him to the Senate floor and am confident he will be swiftly confirmed,” he added.
As the committee considered his nomination last week, Democrats criticized Vought's ties to Project 2025 and his executive powers.
He previously served as OMB director during President Trump's first term, and most recently directed a blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that was often the target of Democratic attacks during the 2024 presidential campaign. He is attracting attention as a co-author.
The Senate Budget Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on his nomination on Wednesday.
