Senate Confirmation Process

The first step in the senate confirmation process of presidential cabinet members is the president-elect's nomination of his or her selection for a cabinet post. Once the president-elect gives the name of a nominee for a cabinet position, the nominee must then complete the relevant paperwork to confirm the nominee's qualification for the nomination.

Next, the FBI completes a full background investigation of the person who is nominated. Once the paperwork and background check are completed, senate committees hold hearings to decide qualification and acceptance of the nominees. Nominees are referred to Senate committees with relevance to the position being considered. For example, the hearing for the nominee for attorney general is carried out by the Judiciary Committee and the hearing for the nominee for Energy Secretary is carried out by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Some cabinet nominees may have hearings before more than one Senate committee. If a Senate Committee approves of the nominee with a vote of simple majority, the nomination is then taken before the entire Senate. A simple majority is then required for confirmation or rejection of a cabinet post.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/lessonplans/socialstudies/confirm_key.pdf

http://transition2008.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/fixing-the-nomination-and-confirmation-process-part-ii/

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/cabinet-confirmation-hearings-start-next-week/?partner=rss&emc=rss

http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/35647.pdf