Senate questions Bush commerce chief

Don Evans is an old friend of Mr Bush

The first of US President-elect George W Bush's cabinet choices appeared before the Senate on Thursday, beginning a series of confirmation hearings.

Don Evans, nominated by Mr Bush as commerce secretary, was questioned by the Senate Commerce Committee headed by Democrat Senator Fritz Hollings.

It is the committee's hope we can confirm you that first week after the inauguration

Fritz Hollings, Committee chairman

A fellow Texas oil millionaire, Mr Evans is an old friend of Mr Bush. His free trade and free enterprise beliefs are unlikely to cause controversy.

But some of Mr Bush's other nominations are proving more troublesome to Democrats and liberal pressure groups, who argue that they are too conservative.

And despite Mr Bush's claims to be "a uniter, not a divider," opposition to some nominations looks set to test his pledge to work with both sides in his new administration.

All US cabinet appointments have to be approved by two-thirds majority in the Senate, after detailed questioning by a Senate committee.

Trade issues

During the hearing, Don Evans faced questions on his goals for the large Commerce Department, which monitors global trade flows, issues patents, and oversees the nation's census.

The hearing also concentrated on business conditions and US trade policy.

Speaking before the committee, Mr Evans said he would "foster a marketplace where ideas and energy can thrive."

Two of his potential major concerns will be to avert a possible trade war with Europe and ensuring that China continues to fulfil its free market obligations.

The downturn of the US economy and a possible recession may also put Mr Evans under pressure to impose import restrictions.

Controversial choices

Although Mr Evans' initial hearing passed off with Democratic approval, some of Mr Bush's other cabinet nominees look set for a more rocky ride.

John Ashcroft (l) faces Democratic opposition

His choice of John Ashcroft for attorney-general, with his anti-abortion and pro-death penalty views has aroused deep Democrat anger.

Mr Ashcroft's campaign against the nomination of a black judge to the federal courts has also sparked underlying accusations of racism.

Linda Chavez' nomination as labour secretary is also expected to lead to confrontation, due to her opposition to affirmative-action laws favouring ethnic minorities.

Democrats are also unlikely to be pleased with Mr Bush's choice of Spencer Abraham to run the Department of Energy. Not long ago he was calling for the department to be abolished.

Given the Republican's control of the Senate, it is very unlikely that any of George W Bush's nominations will be turned down.

But BBC correspondent Jonny Dymond says both sides will be seeking to extract political capital from any confirmation clashes.

Battles looming

There are also battles looming over the economy and education, with the president-elect promising to push ahead with large tax cuts and an overhaul of America's public school system.

We need somewhat larger tax cuts than what the Democrats are talking about and we need to get them done soon

Lawrence Lindsey, Bush economic adviser

On Thursday, Mr Bush's chief economic adviser reiterated his backing for the Republicans' proposed tax cut, saying that Wednesday's surprise Federal Reserve rate had not diminished the need for tax relief.

"We need somewhat larger tax cuts than what the Democrats are talking about and we need to get them done soon," said Lawrence Lindsey.

In the days before Mr Bush's inauguration on 20 January, the Democrats will control the Senate, with Mr Gore, as the outgoing vice-president, having the casting vote if there is a tie.

After that, the new Republican Vice-President Dick Cheney will have the deciding vote, which effectively means the Republicans will control both houses of Congress.