confirmation hearing

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confirmation hearing

A senator asks a question during a confirmation hearing.

Definition

Noun: A formal proceeding conducted by the United States Senate to examine the qualifications, background, and suitability of an individual nominated by the President for a high-level federal position, such as a cabinet secretary, federal judge, or other senior official. The purpose is to gather information to decide whether to approve or reject the nomination.

Usage

The term "confirmation hearing" is used specifically in the context of the U.S. government's appointment process. It refers to the public, often televised, committee hearings where senators question the nominee.

Examples
  • The Supreme Court nominee faced a challenging confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • During her confirmation hearing, the Secretary of State-designate outlined her foreign policy priorities.
  • The senator announced he would vote against the candidate based on testimony from the confirmation hearing.
Advanced Usage
  • "to go through a confirmation hearing": To be the subject of and participate in this process.
    • Every Attorney General must go through a rigorous confirmation hearing.
  • "confirmation hearing process": Refers to the entire sequence of events from nomination to the final Senate vote.
    • The lengthy confirmation hearing process can last for several months.
Variants and Related Words
  • Hearing (n): A more general term for a formal meeting for receiving evidence or arguments. A "confirmation hearing" is a specific type of hearing.
  • Nomination (n): The act of proposing someone for an office. The "confirmation hearing" follows the nomination.
  • Confirmation (n): The final act of the Senate giving formal approval to the nomination. The "confirmation hearing" is a key step leading to the confirmation vote.
Synonyms
  • Appointment hearing: A less common but descriptive synonym.
  • Nomination hearing: Another term that emphasizes the stage of the process.
Related Phrases
  • "to testify at a confirmation hearing": To give a formal statement or answer questions during the hearing.
    • The nominee will testify at her confirmation hearing next week.
  • "confirmation vote": The subsequent vote by the full Senate to approve or reject the nominee after the hearing.
    • The confirmation hearing concluded, paving the way for a final confirmation vote.
confirmation hearing

A senator asks a question during a confirmation hearing.

Noun
  1. a hearing held by the US Senate to gather information on whether to approve or reject candidates for high federal office who are nominated by the president