Senate votes to confirm Obama’s regulatory czar

Shelanski will serve as the “regulatory czar,” also known as the administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), which approves most new and proposed rules from agencies throughout the government.

{mosads}The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Shelanski’s nomination on a voice vote last week. He was serving as the director of the Federal Trade Commission’s economic bureau.

The Senate also confirmed Marietta Robinson and former Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle (R-N.Y.) to be commissioners of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Several military nominees were also confirmed, and the Senate passed three bills before leaving for a week. A description of the bills follow:

– H.R. 1151, directing the secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan at the triennial International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly.

– H.R. 2383, designating the new Interstate Route 70 bridge over the Mississippi River connecting St. Louis, Mo., and southwestern Illinois as the “Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge.” The House passed this bill earlier in the week, meaning it now heads to Obama’s desk for his signature.

– H.R. 324, granting the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II.