Tipsheet

Rules Change: EPA Chief Pruitt Moves Forward Without Democrat Vote

President Donald Trump's pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency passed through committee on Thursday, sending him to the main floor for final approval.

The Republicans had to make a last minute rules change by suspending the complete panel and force a vote for Attorney General Scott Pruitt of Oklahoma because none of the Democrats on the Environment and Public Works panel, led by Sen. Tom Carper, attended the vote.

“Attorney General Pruitt has answered more question than any EPA nominee in recent memory. … The minority may not like all of Attorney General Pruitt’s answers, but he’s given them answers,” Republican Chairman John Barrasso said in a statement.