119th Congress Nominee record
Michael McDonald
Latest nomination National Endowment for the Humanities
- Nomination records
- 1 nomination record
- Cited sources
- 1 cited sources
- Nomination snapshot
At a glance
Michael McDonald’s background combines humanities scholarship, legal work, and long service at the National Endowment for the Humanities. The agency’s August 2026 confirmation release describes his leadership experience and academic qualifications while distinguishing Senate confirmation from the subsequent appointment.
Summary sources: [1]
Nomination outcomes below are from the Oct 14, 2026 snapshot. Congress.gov may show subsequent actions.
Career and documented accomplishments
- NEH states that McDonald joined the agency in 2003 and served in several leadership roles, spending much of that period as general counsel. [1]
- His qualifications include a doctorate in Romance Languages and Literatures from the Catholic University of America and a law degree from George Washington University. [1]
- The release describes earlier leadership of the Center for Individual Rights, a public-interest law organization he co-founded. [1]
Role and nomination context
- The August 7, 2026 release reports Senate confirmation and says the formal appointment and beginning of service were expected afterward. [1]
Nomination history
PN792: Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Confirmed- Recorded name
- Michael McDonald
- Organization
- National Endowment for the Humanities
- Listed state
- District of Columbia
- Received
- Latest action
- Recorded vote
- 51–47
Latest recorded action
Confirmed by the Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 47. Record Vote Number: 225.
What the sources establish
- The confirmation release alone does not establish the date of formal appointment or subsequent tenure.
- Institutional responsibilities are not presented as individual program outcomes.
Sources and review date
Career and role sources reviewed . These sources may describe developments beyond the nomination snapshot; each nomination entry retains its recorded date and outcome.
- Senate Confirms Michael McDonald as Chairman of NEH
National Endowment for the Humanities. Reviewed .
Understanding these records
PN means presidential nomination. Each numbered record tracks a proposal sent to the Senate.
A Senate confirmation approves a nomination; it is not proof of current tenure or an appointment taking effect. These entries show received dates and the latest recorded action, rather than a complete legislative action timeline.
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