Tillerson’s ties to Russia and his stand on sanctioning Moscow have been a point of contention.
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2:40 p.m.
A spokesman for Andrew Puzder says the Labor secretary-nominee is working to divest his assets so he can take office as part of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
Puzder says he is “fully committed to becoming secretary of Labor.”
In a statement to The Associated Press, Puzder says he’s looking forward to his confirmation hearing, which has been postponed at least three times.
Spokesman George Thompson says Puzder’s work to divest assets is complicated because his fast food empire, CKE Restaurants Inc., is a private company.
The statement comes as Democrats and their allies opposed to Puzder’s nomination have raised questions about his fitness for the post.
Puzder still has not turned in the required paperwork detailing his plan to avoid conflicts of interest.
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2:25 p.m.
Two Republican senators have announced their opposition to Betsy DeVos for education secretary.
Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska both say they cannot support DeVos, a wealthy Republican donor and school choice activist. Both said in Senate floor speeches Wednesday that DeVos’ commitment to the nation’s public schools is in question in light of her long-held support for vouchers and charter schools.
