The U.S. Senate passed a Russia sanctions bill on Friday and confirmed 74 of President Trump’s nominees for various federal positions. The legislation, which was negotiated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), would penalize nations that continue to purchase exports from Russia, including oil and gas.
The bill’s passage follows a visit to the U.S. Capitol late last month by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who observed the initial procedural votes from the Senate gallery. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Zelenskyy stated on social media that the legislation would increase pressure on Russia to end the war, which has lasted for more than four years.
Among the 74 confirmations was Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL who will lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hamilton previously led the agency on a temporary basis but was fired after opposing its elimination, an idea President Trump had previously suggested. The Senate also confirmed David Cummins to lead the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Daniel Perez as the U.S. ambassador to Brazil.
Separately, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) announced his support for Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general. Blanche’s confirmation had been uncertain due to opposition from Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Susan Collins (ME). Cassidy cited Blanche’s specific circumstances as a reason for his support, despite expressed concerns regarding a $1.8 billion settlement involving President Trump and the Internal Revenue Service.
The confirmation of 74 nominees affects federal workers and the administration of several major agencies. At the TSA, which employs thousands of people, David Cummins takes over as the administration seeks to cut jobs and expand private airport screening. This follows a period where TSA employees worked for weeks without pay during a partial government shutdown. At FEMA, Cameron Hamilton will oversee more than 20,000 employees. Disaster victims and local governments reliant on federal aid will see the effects of his leadership as the administration promises changes to how the government handles emergency responses.
For the U.S. Department of Justice, the support of Sen. Cassidy likely clears the path for Todd Blanche to become the nation's top law enforcement officer. This appointment follows a legal settlement that includes a $1.8 billion fund for individuals who feel mistreated by the justice system and grants tax audit immunity to the president and his family. The next steps for the sanctions bill involve a vote in the House of Representatives, while the confirmed nominees will begin their roles in their respective agencies immediately. A final confirmation vote for Todd Blanche has not yet been dated.