Congress Votes: Former Obama Staffer, Calif. Energy Leader Confirmed to Offices

Though in session, neither the House nor Senate passed any legislative initiatives last week. While the House did not convene in full sessions, the Senate confirmed several appointments nominated by President Obama.

Below are the votes from Pennsylvania's Senators.

United States Senate PN677: The Senate confirmed a new cabinet member Oct. 20. Approved by a 74-26 vote, John Edgar Bryson became the Secretary of Commerce.  The California resident is the 34th person in that position, succeeding Gary Locke. In July, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklah.) blocked a vote on Bryson due to his environmental views associated with the National Resources Defense Council, a group he founded. More recently, Bryson worked for California utility company Edison International, and said he is often at odds himself with his former company, according to Reuters.

• YES: Robert Casey (D), Patrick Toomey (R)

PN154: Heather Higginbottom was confirmed as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget Oct. 20. The Senate confirmed her in a 64-36 vote. The Washington, DC-resident previously worked for the Obama campaign and with Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), according to the White House.

• YES: Robert Casey (D), Patrick Toomey (R)

PN30: The Senate confirmed a Pennsylvania resident to be a U.S. District Judge in a Oct. 19. vote. Robert D. Mariani was confirmed by a 82-17 vote, and will serve as a district judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which has jurisdiction over Scranton, Harrisburg, Williamsport and other areas.

• YES: Robert Casey (D), Patrick Toomey (R)

Both the House and Senate resume Monday.