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Biden confirms 100th judicial nominee, Senator Dianne Feinstein to retire, Biden to name Fed’s Lael Brainard as top economic advisor, Biden’s IRS Commissioner nominee commits to not increasing tax audits on certain earners, and more in Democrat politics
Joe Biden, his administration, and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer are taking a victory lap after Democrats confirmed the president’s 100th judicial nominee, reaching the milestone sooner than presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, Fox reported.
The 100th federal court appointment occurred as the Senate approved Gina Méndez-Miró as the first openly LGBTQ American judge to serve on the federal district court in Puerto Rico, NBC reported. Méndez-Miró previously served as a Puerto Rico appeals court judge and was confirmed by the Senate in a vote of 54 to 45.
The Senate also confirmed Cindy Chung to circuit judge for the Third Circuit and DeAndrea Benjamin to U.S. circuit judge for the Fourth Circuit.
Thus far, out of the 100 judges nominated by Biden, 76 have been women, and 68 were people of color, according to Senate Democrats.
California Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein has announced she will not seek reelection and retire at the end of 2024. The 89-year-old has served for three decades in the Senate and more than 50 years in public office, NBC reported.
“I am announcing today I will not run for reelection in 2024 but intend to accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year when my term ends,” Feinstein said in a statement released on Valentine’s Day.
President Joe Biden paid a tribute to Feinstein after her statement went public.
“I’ve served with more U.S. Senators than just about anyone,” Biden said in a statement, The Hill reported. “I can honestly say that Dianne Feinstein is one of the very best. I look forward to continuing to work with her as she serves out her term.”
President Joe Biden is expected to name Federal Reserve Vice Chair Lael Brainard to the White House’s top economic policy position as early as Tuesday, following the Presidents’ Day holiday, CNBC reported. Brainard would replace White House National Economic Council (NEC) Director Brian Deese, who has announced his plans to resign.
Biden confidant Jared Bernstein is expected to replace Cecilia Rouse as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, who also announced plans to depart.
Anticipating questions ahead of his confirmation, President Joe Biden’s nominee for IRS Commissioner, Daniel Werfel, 51, said he will commit to not increasing tax audits on businesses and households making less than $400,000 per year, the Associated Press reported.
The inflation reduction act allocated nearly $80 billion over the next decade to the IRS. Werfel said of the funding boost, “Americans rightfully expect a more modern and high-performing IRS.” Werfel also promised to modernize the agency’s technology.
