Ben Carson easily approved for HUD role in Senate committee

Three of President Trump's nominees to serve in his Cabinet advanced in the Senate on Tuesday: Ben Carson to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Wilbur Ross to lead the Commerce Department, and Elaine Chao to lead the Department of Transportation.

Carson in particular had been criticized by Democrats for having no background on housing issues. But he was approved in a unanimous voice vote nonetheless at the Senate Banking Committee.

"Dr. Carson has achieved a great deal of success during his impressive and accomplished career, and I was encouraged by his recent testimony before the committee," said Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, after the vote. "He is committed to carrying forth the mandate of HUD and learning more from people directly affected by HUD policies. Now that his nomination has been voted favorably out of the committee, it is my hope that the full senate will follow suit in a timely manner."

Moments later, both Ross and Chao were approved unanimously by the Senate Commerce Committee.

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