September 7, 2001

Sharp Debate Precedes Senate Vote on Nomination of Harvard Scholar to Regulatory Post

President Bush's nomination of a Harvard University scholar as "regulations czar" sparked a contentious debate in the Senate in July before lawmakers finally approved the appointment.

The Senate voted 61 to 37 to confirm John D. Graham to lead a unit of the Office of Management and Budget that reviews federal regulations. Typically, the Senate debates only a small number of controversial nominations, approving all others by a voice vote.

Mr. Graham's nomination spurred