Senate Confirms Ho Nieh to Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 66–32 Vote

The vote reflected confidence in his regulatory credentials despite concerns over White House influence.

Overview

The confirmation makes Nieh the NRC’s fourth member and second Republican, leaving one seat unfilled on the five-member panel.
The final tally was 66-32, with 15 Democrats joining all Republicans present to approve the nomination.
Earlier, senators voted 65-32 to invoke cloture, ending debate and moving the nomination to a final roll call.
Nieh serves as head of regulatory affairs for Southern Co.’s nuclear unit and previously directed the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
Supporters pointed to his technical expertise, while some lawmakers voiced worries about potential White House influence over the independent agency.