On the recordFebruary 5, 2019
today I am placing a hold on the nomination of Elizabeth Darling to be Commissioner on Children, Youth and Families at the Department of Health and Human Services. Since Ms. Darling has been renominated by the administration in the 116th Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services gave the State of South Carolina a green light for religious-based discrimination in its State-contracted foster care agencies. Adults who can provide safe, loving, and nurturing homes for foster kids will be denied that opportunity on religious grounds. I am also concerned about the slow implementation of the Family First Act, which the Finance Committee passed on a bipartisan basis in the last Congress. A big part of that law has been delayed, and the latest information I have heard regarding my concerns is that there are ``robust conversations'' happening behind the scenes. I expect that to improve going forward. For these reasons, I will object to any unanimous consent request concerning the nomination of Ms. Darling at this time. ____________________
