Flashback: Murkowski voted to confirm 19 Biden Cabinet picks in defiance of GOP

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, made headlines in 2021 for her voting record on former President Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominees. A Fox News Digital analysis revealed that Murkowski supported 19 out of 21 of Biden’s nominees, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. However, she opposed the confirmation of former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and did not vote on former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh’s appointment.

One of the most controversial decisions by Murkowski was her opposition to Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. Despite Hegseth’s military service and advocacy for veterans, Murkowski raised concerns about his lack of experience in Pentagon policy, allegations of mismanagement in previous roles, and accusations of inappropriate behavior. These concerns led her to withhold her support for Hegseth’s nomination, drawing criticism from supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, criticized Murkowski for her stance on Hegseth, particularly in light of her vote for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin over his handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Van Orden accused Murkowski of making a poor decision and urged her to reconsider her position on Hegseth.

Despite facing backlash from some quarters, Murkowski found support from within her party. Other Republicans expressed agreement with her concerns about Hegseth’s suitability for the role of Defense Secretary, citing potential issues with discipline and leadership.

Murkowski’s approach to evaluating Biden’s nominees reflects her commitment to ensuring that qualified and credible candidates are appointed to key positions in the government. While she supported the majority of Biden’s Cabinet picks, she maintained her independence by carefully assessing each nominee based on their qualifications and experience.

In a statement to Politico in 2020, Murkowski emphasized the Senate’s responsibility to scrutinize presidential nominees and ensure they are suitable for their roles. This approach underscores her dedication to upholding the integrity of the confirmation process and prioritizing the interests of the American people.

Overall, Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s decisions on Biden’s Cabinet nominees demonstrate her commitment to thoughtful consideration and independent judgment in evaluating candidates for key government positions. Her willingness to challenge controversial nominations highlights her dedication to serving the best interests of the American public.