Donovan, Castro Nominations Approved by Senate Committees

On June 24, the Senate Budget Committee approved HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan’s nomination to be director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by a vote of 15-6. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the nomination on June 25 by a vote of 9-1.

Before the votes, Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper, D-Del., praised Donovan’s experience at HUD and his qualifications for OMB director. Murray said that, while at HUD, Donovan was always willing to work with both Democrats and Republicans. Carper praised Donovan’s intelligence and work ethic.

Also on June 25, the Senate Banking Committee approved by a vote of 16-6 San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro’s nomination to replace Donovan as HUD secretary. Castro previously appeared before the Banking Committee on June 17. Both nominations are expected to be voted on by the full Senate after the July 4th recess, and both Castro and Donovan are expected to receive bipartisan support.