confirmation Archives - KVRR Local News

Senate confirms ex-Fargo police chief to lead Customs & Border Protection

December 8, 2021

Jim Monk,

WASHINGTON (KVRR) – A former Fargo police chief has been confirmed to lead the nation’s largest law enforcement agency. Chris Magnus, now the police chief in Tucson, Arizona, is the new Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The 60,000-person agency oversees the nation’s border security, trade, and travel. Magnus was approved by a vote of 50-47, with Senator Susan…

Minnesota Pearl Harbor Sailor’s Remains Identified

Gifford was 22 at the time of his death on the USS Oklahoma

August 2, 2017

TJ Nelson,

MANKATO, Minn. — Yet another Minnesota family has received confirmation about remains of a loved one killed at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Two surviving siblings of Radioman 2nd Class Quentin Gifford of Mankato were told that DNA tests they had submitted last year confirmed their brother’s identity. Gifford was 22 at the time of his death on the USS Oklahoma….

North Dakota’s Judge Erickson Appears Before Senate Judiciary Committee

Erickson was nominated by President Trump to serve on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals

July 25, 2017

TJ Nelson,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A North Dakota judge appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven introduced U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson to the panel. Erickson was nominated by President Trump to serve on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Both senators encouraged the committee to approve Judge Erickson’s nomination and move it to the Senate for confirmation. “Judge…

President Trump Nominates Former U of M Professor to U.S. Court of Appeals

His nomination requires Senate confirmation

May 8, 2017

TJ Nelson,

WASHINGTON D.C. — President Trump has nominated Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice David Stras to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Stras formerly clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The 42-year-old former University of Minnesota Law School professor was on Trump’s short list of possible U.S. Supreme Court nominees. His nomination requires Senate confirmation. It would give…

Sen. Franken Calling Out Attorney General for “Insulting” Responses on Meetings with Russia

Franken made those comments during the Senate confirmation hearing of U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein for the position of deputy attorney general

March 7, 2017

TJ Nelson,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Minnesota Democratic Senator Al Franken is still not satisfied with the clarification given by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his involvement with Russian government officials. “I think he owes it to this committee to come back and to explain himself,” said Sen. Franken. “He answered a question I didn’t ask. And for him to put this…

Rick Perry Confirmed as Energy Secretary

The vote was 62-37

March 2, 2017

TJ Nelson,

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Senate has confirmed former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to serve as energy secretary. The vote was 62-37. Perry, who once pledged to eliminate the department, has repeatedly promised to be an advocate for the agency and to protect the nation’s nuclear stockpile. He has said he’ll work to develop American energy in all forms which is…

Senator Heitkamp Crosses Party Lines to Confirm President’s Pick for Secretary of State

Rex Tillerson is a former CEO of Exxon Mobil

February 1, 2017

TJ Nelson,

The Republican-led Senate has confirmed Rex Tillerson as President Trump’s secretary of state. Senators voted 56-43 largely along party lines to approve Tillerson’s nomination to be the nation’s chief diplomat. He is the former CEO of Exxon Mobil. They got help from several Democrats who crossed party lines including Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. “And I will tell you…

What do You Think of President-Elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet Nominees?

Senator Heidi Heitkamp says hearing from voters will help senators as they go through the confirmation process

January 9, 2017

TJ Nelson,

Senator Heitkamp wants to hear your thoughts on President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees. The senator has launched an online portal on her website that will allow people to leave their comments and questions. Heitkamp says the feedback will be important as senators go through the confirmation process. Trump has nominated nearly 20 people to head executive departments, and dozens of…