{"id":2379002,"date":"2024-12-11T15:39:02","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T20:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sinema-returns-from-mysterious-absence-to-tank-biden-labor-nominee-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-12-11T15:41:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T20:41:58","slug":"sinema-returns-from-mysterious-absence-to-tank-biden-labor-nominee-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sinema-returns-from-mysterious-absence-to-tank-biden-labor-nominee-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Sinema returns from mysterious absence to tank Biden labor nominee &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fsinema-returns-from-mysterious-absence-to-tank-biden-labor-nominee-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2379002&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Kyrsten Sinema, \u200bthe Self-reliant senator\u2063 from Arizona, returned to the\u200d Senate to cast her first vote as before the Thanksgiving \u2062recess, after an extended\u2062 absence that had frustrated her Democratic colleagues. Upon her return, she voted against President \u200bBiden\u2019s\u2064 renomination of National Labor Relations Board Chairwoman Lauren McFerran, which further distanced her from the \u2063Democratic Party.Sinema&#8217;s vote contributed to the failure of a procedural motion that would \u200chave advanced McFerran\u2019s renomination, \u200das she and retiring senator Joe Manchin \u200bsided with Republicans, resulting in a 49-50 vote. This move disappointed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, \u2064who criticized the outcome as harmful to workers&#8217; rights. During her absence,which\u2063 included missing 16 votes,her whereabouts \u2063had been a mystery to her colleagues,leaving them uncertain about her commitment as the Congress session neared its conclusion. Despite her absence not impacting earlier votes, the timing of her return and \u2064subsequent decision unsettled Democrats.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Sinema finally returns from unexplained absence to help tank Biden labor nominee<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1496546\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/2812364\/kyrsten-sinema-no-2024-reelection-senate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema\">Retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema<\/a> (I-AZ) returned to the Senate on Wednesday to vote for the first time since before Thanksgiving recess, ending an extended absence that began to frustrate Democratic caucus colleagues.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>In a move that undoubtedly further alienated her from the party, Sinema helped defeat President Joe Biden&rsquo;s renomination of National Labor Relations Board Chairwoman Lauren McFerran, a Democrat.<\/p>\n<p>Sinema&rsquo;s vote against McFerran dashed hopes from Democrats to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3256330\/chuck-schumer-bid-trump-proof-national-labor-relations-board-faces-uncertain-senate-future\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Trump-proof the federal agency\">Trump-proof the federal agency<\/a> that oversees U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/labor-board-dismisses-union-misconduct-complaints-following-biden-purge\/\" title=\"Labor Board Dismisses Union Misconduct Complaints Following Biden Purge\">labor law<\/a> by keeping a Democratic NLRB under the incoming president.<\/p>\n<p>A procedural vote to advance McFerran&rsquo;s renomination to another five-year term failed 49-50. Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV), who also caucuses with Democrats and is retiring, voted with all Republicans against McFerran.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It is deeply disappointing, a direct attack on working people, and incredibly troubling that this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/dem-senator-tammy-duckworth-drops-threat-to-block-biden-nominees-over-diversity-concerns\/\" title=\"Dem Senator Tammy Duckworth Drops Threat To Block Biden Nominees Over Diversity Concerns\">highly qualified nominee<\/a>, with a proven track record of protecting worker rights, did not have the votes,&rdquo; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said.<\/p>\n<p>Sinema&rsquo;s extended absence left Democrats wondering her whereabouts and whether she would return in her final weeks as a senator before the current Congress&rsquo;s legislative business concludes next week. Her office did not respond to requests for comment about the absence that included 16 missed votes on district judges since Dec. 2.<\/p>\n<p>Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) told the <em>Washington Examiner <\/em>prior to Sinema&rsquo;s surprise return Wednesday that he did not have contact with her and was unaware of her location.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Nope, I sure don&rsquo;t,&rdquo; Durbin said, shaking his head. &ldquo;You know, she&rsquo;s an independent.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Prior to the McFerran vote, Sinema&rsquo;s absence had yet to affect Democrats&rsquo; ability to pass votes and confirm presidential nominees. Senate Democrats, which includes Sinema, have a one-vote 51-49 majority.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve won by one vote, two votes, three votes. It&rsquo;s a perilous journey, but we&rsquo;re successful so far,&rdquo; Durbin said minutes before she opposed McFerran.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) shuttles between the chamber and the whip office as the Senate dashes to wrap up votes on amendments on the big debt ceiling and budget cuts package, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, June 1, 2023. (AP Photo\/J. Scott Applewhite)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sinema also snubbed the State Society of Arizona&rsquo;s holiday reception last week in Washington, D.C., which was set to host her as a guest of honor to recognize her time as a senator since 2019, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.azcentral.com\/story\/news\/politics\/arizona\/2024\/12\/11\/where-is-arizona-us-sen-kyrsten-sinema\/76902910007\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">the<\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azcentral.com\/story\/news\/politics\/arizona\/2024\/12\/11\/where-is-arizona-us-sen-kyrsten-sinema\/76902910007\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">  Arizona Republic<\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azcentral.com\/story\/news\/politics\/arizona\/2024\/12\/11\/where-is-arizona-us-sen-kyrsten-sinema\/76902910007\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">  reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Facing long reelection odds, Sinema decided not to run for reelection in March. Then, the missed votes started to pile up, tarnishing her once steady and reliable attendance.<\/p>\n<p>Since announcing her retirement, Sinema has boasted one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.govtrack.us\/congress\/members\/kyrsten_sinema\/412509\">worst attendance records<\/a>, skipping roughly one-third of the more than 200 votes held. In the roughly same time period before deciding against reelection, Sinema missed less than 2% of the 288 votes held.<\/p>\n<p>McFerran&rsquo;s term expires Monday. Her reinstalment would&rsquo;ve secured a Democratic NLRB majority on the five-person panel tasked with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/schumer-bid-to-trump-proof-labor-board-faces-uncertain-future-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Schumer bid to Trump-proof labor board faces uncertain future - Washington Examiner\">protecting organized union labor<\/a> until at least August 2026, at which point Trump could have replaced another expiring Democrat with a Republican. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The NLRB&rsquo;s current makeup is three Democrats, one Republican, and one absent Republican seat. The agency may not have more than a 3-2 partisan majority for either party. Each seat&rsquo;s term runs five years, regardless of when members are seated.<\/p>\n<p>Trump will be tasked with replacing McFerran, as well as choosing someone for the open Republican seat, allowing him to swing the NLRB back to a 3-2 GOP majority. Following the failed McFerran vote, Senate Democrats scrapped a procedural vote to advance Biden nominee and labor attorney Joshua Ditelberg to fill the open Republican slot.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/presidential\/3223892\/president-elect-donald-trump-cabinet-picks-list\/\"><strong>TRUMP CABINET PICKS: WHO&rsquo;S BEEN TAPPED TO SERVE IN THE PRESIDENT-ELECT&rsquo;S ADMINISTRATION<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Conservatives opposed McFerran over a range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/employment-law\/senators-should-oppose-lauren-mcferran-for-another-nlrb-term\">NLRB decisions<\/a> made under her leadership that they say have been anti-business, restricted employer free speech, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">undermined secret ballot union elections<\/a>, and violated the Civil Rights Act from labor law interpretations.<\/p>\n<p>Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), the top Republican on the Senate committee with jurisdiction over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/new-york-times-meltdown-plays-out-in-private-facebook-group\/\" title=\"New York Times Meltdown Plays Out in Private Facebook Group\">labor issues<\/a>, accused Democrats of orchestrating a &ldquo;partisan attempt to deny President Trump the opportunity to choose his own nominees and enact a pro-America, pro-worker agenda with the mandate he has from the American people.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1496546\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1496546\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sinema returns to vote against Biden&#8217;s labor nominee, McFerran<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3108,"featured_media":2379003,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sinema-helps-tank-biden-labor-nominee.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[16587,3620,46607,7027],"class_list":["post-2379002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-absence","tag-biden","tag-labor-nominee","tag-sinema"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sinema-helps-tank-biden-labor-nominee.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2379002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3108"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2379002"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2379002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2379006,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2379002\/revisions\/2379006"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2379003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2379002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2379002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2379002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}