The Senate wrapped up its legislative work before the August recess on Friday by reportedly confirming dozens of President Donald Trump’s executive branch nominees in a single vote, advancing 74 administration appointments.
Senators approved the slate of nominees by a 51-47 vote that largely fell along party lines. Republican Sens. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky were not present for the vote.
Among those confirmed were several high-profile nominees who will now take on leadership roles across key federal agencies and departments.
One of the most notable confirmations was Cameron Hamilton, who will serve as administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hamilton previously led the agency in an acting capacity at the beginning of Trump’s second term before being removed after publicly disagreeing with President Trump and then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on the future of the agency. Hamilton had stated that FEMA should not be eliminated.
During his June confirmation hearing, Hamilton told lawmakers the agency should focus on achieving a better balance between carrying out its mission and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
He said FEMA should “seek to strike a new balance to encourage cost reasonableness and cost savings.”
The Senate also confirmed David Cummins as the new administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Cummins previously served as senior vice president of government services contractor Serco and now takes over the agency as the Trump administration pursues significant changes to its operations.
His confirmation comes as the administration seeks to reduce the size of the TSA and shift some airport security functions to private contractors. In April, President Trump proposed cutting more than 9,400 TSA positions along with approximately $1.5 billion in agency funding.
In a Friday statement released by the TSA, Cummins outlined several priorities for the agency, including improving employee morale, introducing new technology at airport security checkpoints, reducing traveler wait times, and strengthening protections against drone and cyber threats affecting transportation systems.
“TSA will deliver on its role to secure the Golden Age of Travel the Trump administration has ushered in,” Cummins said. “We do not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, or an elevated experience.”
Another major confirmation was Brett Matsumoto, who was approved to serve as commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Matsumoto joined the bureau in 2015 and most recently worked with the White House Council of Economic Advisors.
His appointment follows President Trump’s dismissal of former BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer last August after the president accused her of manipulating the July 2025 employment report, allegations described as unsubstantiated.
During his June confirmation hearing, Matsumoto emphasized the importance of maintaining the bureau’s independence and objectivity.
“It is important for the public to be confident that decisions at the BLS are being driven by science rather than politics,” he told lawmakers.
The Senate also confirmed Keith Sonderling as Secretary of Labor, allowing him to continue leading the department on a permanent basis after serving as acting secretary since April 20.
Sonderling assumed the acting role following the resignation of former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez DeRemer amid an investigation into alleged misconduct involving her and her husband. Before becoming acting secretary, Sonderling served for more than a year as DeRemer’s deputy. During the first Trump administration, he was administrator of the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division.
Following his nomination in June, Sonderling thanked President Trump for the opportunity and pledged to continue advancing the administration’s agenda on behalf of American workers, families, unions, and job creators.
Also confirmed Friday was Kari Lake as the next U.S. ambassador to Jamaica. Trump nominated the former television news anchor and former Arizona Republican gubernatorial and Senate candidate in May while she was serving as head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Lake, a longtime ally of the Trump administration, will replace Chargé d’Affaires Scott Renner, who has served as acting ambassador since January.
After her nomination, Lake thanked President Trump on social media, saying she knows Jamaica “very well” and describing it as a nation “full of incredible people.” She added that she looked forward to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Jamaica while advancing America’s interests abroad.
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