Senate OKs Gallo bill requiring Senate confirmation of education commissioners, HHS and Commerce secretaries
STATE HOUSE – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo to require appointments of the commissioners of Elementary and Secondary Education and Postsecondary Education and the secretaries of Office of Health and Human Services and Commerce to be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, just as other high-level state government appointments are.
“The Senate serves a very important oversight role in the appointment of high-level office-holders in our state. We are the people’s voice in these matters,” said Senator Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick). “The education commissioners and health and commerce secretaries shape policies that impact all Rhode Islanders. Certainly they warrant at least the same level of public accountability and oversight as other department heads and leaders in our state.”
Senator Gallo indicated that the legislation is not aimed at any particular individual in any of these positions. Rather, it is a matter of good public policy because of the important nature of the positions.
Additionally, the legislation would clarify that any appointment to these offices in an acting or interim capacity must also be submitted to the Senate for approval within 10 days, even if a search for a permanent director is ongoing, as is required for other departments.
The legislation (2022-S 2402) now goes to the House of Representatives, where Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) is sponsoring companion legislation (2022-H 7586).
The Senate is calling it quits for the night as Republicans and Democrats remain dug in as the shutdown rolls on. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they will return tomorrow, but added it's not certain there will be anything to vote on. Today, Democrats blocked a Republican measure that would pay federal workers while the government remains shut. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier said Democrats will sign the GOP House-passed bill to re-open the government if it includes a one-year-Obamacare credit extension. Thune called it a "nonstarter," adding a one-year extension doesn't address the core issues of Obamacare. 
