Rubio says UN Security Council is "almost irrelevant" due to China and Russia having veto powers.
Chris Wright makes a great point about global energy, and how many developing nations (Vietnam, Indonesia) don't have good options for "green" energy like wind/solar.
We're back! Sen. Barrasso's turn. He's been beating the drum on the importance of quickly approving Trump's national security team.
We are now 15 minutes into the 5-minute break at Rubio's hearing. I'm guessing they're getting the latest news on the ceasefire.
Saturday is Kfir Bibas' second birthday. Hoping and praying he's still alive and back home safely by then. (Along with his brother and mother.)
Chairman Risch breaks into Rubio's testimony to say a ceasefire has just been declared in Gaza.
Senator Cotton is worried about allowing access to our national labs to Russia and China - it's a valid concern.
Pretty much the same with Rubio. No fireworks ... yet.
Chris Wright's hearing for Energy has been remarkably uneventful. The few Dem attempts at a "gotcha" were uncharacteristically subdued. I predict he'll be confirmed easily.
Chris Wright's hearing for Energy has been remarkably uneventful. The few Dem attempts at a "gotcha" were uncharacteristically subdued. I predict he'll be confirmed easily.
Five-minute break at Rubio hearing. Risch warned that's a "real" 5 minutes and not a "Senate 5 minutes".
The odious Chris Murphy trying to say Trump's foreign policy will be dictated by his overseas business dealings - Rubio pushes back hard.
Chairman Risch breaks into Rubio's testimony to say a ceasefire has just been declared in Gaza.
What a great moment!
Sen. Daines gives a shout-out to Rubio's son, Anthony, for his first college touchdown last month.
Responding to Lisa Murkowski: Chris Wright talks about extending affordable energy to places like remote Alaska communities. Nothing yet about ANWR or Alaska energy production.
Same with Sean Duffy. No one is looking to challenge. Actually the Senators are almost entreating him to look at their State's projects and issues. It's interesting.
Lots of kumbaya moments at the Rubio hearing.
Sen. Daines gives a shout-out to Rubio's son, Anthony, for his first college touchdown last month.
ROFL - Bondi just rolled you, Mazie. Y'all were so indignant about Hegseth not meeting with you - but you weren't up for meeting with Bondi?
This is the first time that many people in the country have seen a high-profile government official refuse to say that Joe Biden won the 2020 election. The country needed this.
Rubio on all the special envoys named by Trump: They will sit on a specific issue and have a defined objective.
Well, while Transportation is essential, it certainly ain't sexy! Duffy will slide through.
Heh - Thillis just pointed out that the focus on Patel highlights that they've got very little to go after Bondi on.
Bondi's hearing is giving Kash Patel a solid preview of what he'll face.
Rubio: You can't come into the U.S. if you're a supporter of Hamas. You can't stay in the U.S. if you're a supporter of Hamas. We're going to be forceful on that.