Senate finally confirms Trump's nominee to key financial crimes role at Treasury Department
Though criticized by some for their seemingly slow pace, the Republican-controlled Senate has been moving forward with the confirmation process for some of President Donald Trump's nominees for key positions within his administration.
On Wednesday, in a 51-47 vote, the Senate confirmed John Hurley to be the Treasury Department's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, The Hill reported.
In that critical role, Hurley will oversee the federal government's efforts to combat money laundering and the illicit financing of terrorism, among other financial crimes.
Nominated and confirmed
It was in February when President Trump sent a slate of nominees to the Senate for their consideration, which included John Hurley for the pivotal position at the Treasury Department.
Hurley, a Californian who graduated with honors from Princeton University, has long served as a finance lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and is currently a managing partner at Cavalry Asset Management and a managing member for TGK Ventures.
He is also a member of the Middle East Institute's Board of Governors, the Hoover Institution's Board of Overseers, and the American Enterprise Institute's Board of Trustees.
On Wednesday morning, in a predictably party-line vote of 51-47, the Senate Republican majority finally confirmed Hurley to begin serving in the important role at Treasury.
"Uniquely qualified" for the position
"It is a great honor and privilege to serve as Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at such a crucial time for the United States," Hurley said of his confirmation in a Treasury Department press release. "I am extraordinarily grateful to President Trump and Secretary Bessent for their trust and leadership."
"I look forward to working with Secretary Bessent as we seek to advance the Trump Administration’s national security and policy goals and protect our financial system from abuse by terrorists, drug traffickers, cyber criminals, and other illicit actors," he added.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that he was "thrilled" to have Hurley confirmed, and said, "John’s extensive private sector experience, military service, and previous service on President Trump’s Intelligence Advisory Board make him uniquely qualified to serve the American people in this very important role."
GOP senators praise Hurley
Also heralding Hurley's confirmation was Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), who wrote in an X post, ".@USTreasury’s Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence is one of our government’s most important national security and intelligence arms."
"I am confident that John Hurley will work to protect the integrity of our markets and hold malign foreign actors accountable. Congrats!" the chairman added.
Joining Scott in congratulating Hurley, according to The Hill, was fellow committee member Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN), who said, "In an age of increased competition and escalating geopolitical tension, Under Secretary Hurley’s experience will be pivotal in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives and protecting our economic system from abuse by bad actors."
Likewise, committee member Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) expressed optimism about working cooperatively with Hurley on "our aligned priority of returning to a maximum pressure sanctions regime -- to cut off terrorist financing networks and advance U.S. national security."