On March 3, 2020, FERC General Counsel James Danly’s nomination for FERC Commissioner passed out of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s business meeting with a recorded vote of 12-8 in support. Ranking member Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) voted in support, but took the opportunity to express his disappointment with the White House for failing to pair Danly’s nomination with a Democratic nominee to fill the seat left vacant by Commissioner Cheryl LaFleur’s departure in August 2019.

The White House renominated Danly on February 13, 2020, after his first nomination by President Trump on September 30, 2019 lapsed in early January and was returned to the president for renomination. If his nomination is approved, Danly will fill the seat previously filled by the late Chairman Kevin McIntyre, with a term expiring June 30, 2023. 

The final step will be a vote on the Senate floor to approve Danly’s nomination.