Gifford Nears Chief of Protocol Appointment

On July 27, The former U.S. ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford appeared before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for his nomination hearing as Chief of Protocol at the new administration.

The chief of protocol helps to plan the president’s travel abroad and coordinates visits of foreign leaders to the United States to showcase American traditions, cultures, and institutions

The full nomination hearing can be watched here.

Watch Senator Ed Markey’s presentation of Gifford at 00:20:15.

Watch Gifford’s testimony from 00:36:15 or read it here.

After the hearing, the Judiciary Committee then votes on the nomination and sends its recommendation (that it be confirmed, that it be rejected, or with no recommendation) to the full Senate. The full Senate debates the nomination and then votes. If there is a tie, the Vice President who also presides over the Senate casts the deciding vote.