President Donald Trump’s choice to serve as watchdog over the US Department of Health and Human Services, Thomas Bell, moved forward in the nomination process Thursday despite concerns from Democratic lawmakers.
Bell’s nomination for inspector general advanced on an 8-1 vote by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Bell testified before the committee Wednesday, facing criticisms of undue fealty to Trump.
“Traditionally we don’t see opening statements for an IG that is saying, ‘I’m excited to be a cheerleader for the administration. I’m going to be there cheering them all, every step of the way.’ That’s not the ...