Mick Mulvaney gained a key Senate supporter Wednesday, clearing his path to confirmation to be director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, had been withholding backing for Mulvaney, a conservative member of the House from South Carolina, but she said Wednesday that she would support him, giving him the support of a majority of senators, NBC News reported.
The Senate voted 51-49 to approve Mulvaney, with John McCain voting no. He'd said he opposes Mulvaney's desire to cut defense spending.
The Senate was next set to debate the confirmation of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
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Mulvaney's confirmation vote comes the day after fast food chain chief executive Andy Puzder became the first Cabinet nominee to withdraw as his support, even among Republicans, waned.