On the recordJune 29, 2011
I rise in opposition to the amendment of Senator DeMint. Yesterday the managers' amendment, which was agreed to, retained the Senate confirmation requirement for the legislative affairs positions so the only thing we are talking about here is the public affairs positions. Most of these positions in Cabinet level departments do not require Senate confirmation under our current process, and heaven help us if these public affairs people are making policy. They are not. They are just the messengers. We need to reserve the Senate's advice and consent process for policymaking positions or those that have control over Federal funds. Neither of those criteria apply in this case. I urge the rejection of the DeMint amendment. Mr. DeMINT. Madam President, I ask for the yeas and nays. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The question is on agreeing to the amendment. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk called the roll.
