Senate confirms Obama-picks for trade positions

The Senate voted 75-21 Wednesday to confirm Wanda Felton to be vice president of the Export-Import Bank.

Felton has already held that position for years, but was being nominated again so she can continue to serve.

The Export-Import Bank provides loans to U.S. businesses trying to export more of their goods around the world.

{mosads}Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said he didn’t support her nomination because she hasn’t taken his suggestions in the past. He hopes to reform the Ex-Im Bank because he said the current system leaves taxpayers on the hook for risky lending.

“I cannot support putting this person back into this system when they have essentially ignored these recommendations,” Lee said ahead of the vote. But 20 Republicans voted with Democrats for her confirmation.

The Senate also voted 95-1 to confirm Terrell McSweeny to be a Federal Trade Commissioner (FTC). Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) was the only senator to vote against the nomination.

The FTC is currently split 2-2 along party lines, so McSweeny’s confirmation gives Democrats the majority.

The Senate also confirmed the following nominees by voice-vote:

– Debra Miller to be a member of the Surface Transportation Board.

– Steven Anthony to be a member of the Railroad Retirement Board.

– Daniel Yohannes to represent the United States in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

— Kate Tummarello contributed to this article, which was updated at 4:20 p.m.