NLRB pick stalls after Senate floor drama with Manchin

The Senate failed to end debate on a bid to extend the tenure of Lauren McFerran at the National Labor Relations Board after drama on the Senate floor — and a final decisive “no” vote from Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.).

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hoped to extend McFerran’s tenure at the NLRB to give Democrats effective control of the body into 2026 — part of the way through President-elect Donald Trump’s second term.

The floor stayed open at length awaiting a decision from Manchin with the tally tied at 49. The retiring West Virginian, who voted against several NLRB picks in September 2023, ultimately emerged in opposition to the nomination, making the finally tally 49-50.

Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to oppose ending debate, as did independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who voted no in her first appearance in the chamber since the Thanksgiving break.