Lee Zeldin Sworn in as EPA Administrator

On Thursday, Lee Zeldin was sworn in as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Administrator Zeldin previously represented New York’s first congressional district before stepping down to run for governor in 2022. Administrator Zeldin emphasized the importance of protecting the economy and the environment during his nomination process. He is expected to put forth an agenda focused on deregulation. Administrator Zeldin was confirmed Wednesday on a 56-42 vote, with Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) voting with all Republicans in favor of confirmation.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Testifies Before Senate Committees

This week, President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy testified before the Senate Committees on Finance and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). Senators raised concern about Kennedy’s stances on agriculture, including pesticide policy and genetically modified organisms, as well as his stances on food policy, which have centered on food additives and ultra-processed foods. They urged him to allow USDA and EPA to guide agriculture policymaking to ensure policies implemented do not negatively impact farmers. The Senate Finance Committee will be the committee to determine if his nomination will be considered by the whole Senate. The Finance Committee has not yet scheduled when it will meet to vote on his nomination but its Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) indicated that he plans on holding the vote next week. A recording of the Senate Finance hearing can be found here and of the HELP hearing can be found here.