Senate committee advances Bessent nomination

By Michael Stratford | 01/21/2025 01:56 PM EST

The move clears the way for a Senate floor vote in the coming days.

Scott Bessent speaks during his confirmation hearing.

Scott Bessent speaks during his confirmation hearing to be Treasury secretary in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday. Angelina Katsanis/POLITICO

Scott Bessent, President Donald Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary, won bipartisan support Tuesday as his nomination cleared a Senate committee.

The Senate Finance Committee voted 16-11 to advance Bessent’s nomination, clearing the way for a Senate floor vote in the coming days.

Two Democrats — Sens. Mark Warner of Virginia and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire — joined the committee’s Republicans in supporting Bessent for the top economic job in Trump’s Cabinet.

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During his confirmation hearing, Bessent appeared open to carbon tariffs but rejected Democratic efforts to compete with China on renewable energy.

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