Senate committee approves two of Trump’s picks after bypassing Democrats

Committee approves Tom Price as Health Secretary and Steve Munchin as Treasury Secretary

US president Donald Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services secretary, Tom Price. Photograph: Al Drago/The New York Times

Wed Feb 1 2017 - 15:29

A Senate committee has approved US president Donald Trump's picks for health and treasury secretaries after majority Republicans suspended the panel's rules.

The rule they suspended requires at least one Democrat to be present for votes. It is the latest escalation in partisan tensions in the new Congress.

The Senate Finance Committee approved Georgia Republican representative Tom Price to become Health Secretary and financier Steve Munchin to be Treasury Secretary – both by votes of 14-0.

Democrats boycotted the meeting, demanding time to ask more questions about both nominees.