VOTES IN THE U.S. SENATE

BLOCKINGJUDYSHELTONASFED GOVERNOR Voting 47 for and 50 against,

the Senate on Tuesday failed to advance the nomination of libertarian economist Judy L. Shelton, 66, to the Federal Reserve System Board of Governors. But Republicans left open the possibility of a revote this year on her appointment to the seven-member board that sets U.S. monetary policy. Shelton served under President Trump as U.S. envoy to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. She has been affiliated with conservative organizations including the Hoover Institution and the Atlas Network and numerous “sound money” and free-market causes.

Although Shelton presented herself to the Senate as an orthodox economist, she has endorsed a return to the gold standard; called for abolishing the Fed; questioned whether the Fed should remain independent; doubted the accuracy of government statistics; advocated a single North American currency; urged the elimination of federal deposit insurance; and both supported and opposed the central bank’s use of low interest rates and bond purchases to fight recessions. She has walked back some of her most provocative comments on economic policy. A yes vote was to advance the nomination to a final vote.

Yes: Pat Toomey, R

No: Bob Casey, D CONFIRMINGSTEPHENVADENAS U.S. TRADEJUDGE

Voting 49 for and 43 against, the Senate on Wednesday confirmed Stephen A. Vaden, 38, the Department of Agriculture general counsel, for a lifetime appointment to the United States Court of International Trade. Aspecialized unit of the federal judiciary, the nine-judge panel adjudicates trade and customs-law disputes involving federal agencies, corporations, labor unions, private citizens, foreign governments and other litigants. A yes vote was to confirm the nominee.

Yes: Toomey

No: Casey