According to the New York Times, they still have to be confirmed by the full Senate, but the Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee on Thursday signed off on John Holdren and Jane Lubchenco. Apparently the senator(s) behind the mysterious “holds” that held up their nominations either got what he or she wanted, or gave up. My inner cynic believes that the fact that the committee acted in a closed-door, non-publicized meeting seems calculated to attempt to allow few facts to come out about what was going on behind the scene. Holdren, tapped to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Lubchenco, going to Natinoal Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are widely respected in the scientific community and expected to play a big role in the administration’s climate, environment, research and energy policies. Based on comments from both parties, it appears that the two won’t have any problem in the Senate for the rest of the confirmation process, but it might be worth hedging that bet a little given recent history.

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