In 2015, Commerce Committee chairman Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) began the practice of publicly posting on the Committee’s website the non-confidential portions of questionnaires of nominees referred to the Commerce Committee as well as responses to post-confirmation hearing questions for the record. These public postings do not include some confidential personal financial details that are reviewed by the committee. This matrix is intended to further Sen. Thune’s efforts to improve the transparency of the confirmation process. It includes and organizes positions by department and agency, discloses completed questionnaires, and indicates whether steps in the confirmation process have been completed.

The “status” category in the matrix explained:

“Confirmed” – the listed official has been confirmed by the Senate and has not made a public announcement of plans to leave office.
“Replacement” – the position has an occupant who has announced an intention to leave office. The listed official is the new nominee, not the current occupant.
“Reappointment” – an official, whose term is expiring before or separate from the end of an administration, has been re-nominated for another term.
“Submitted”– the position does not have a current confirmed occupant, but the president has named a nominee who is under consideration.
“Vacant” – the position does not have a current confirmed occupant and the president has not submitted a nomination under consideration.
“Vacating” – the position has an occupant who has announced an intention to leave office but a replacement has not been nominated.
"Term Expired" – indicates an official’s term has expired but he is allowed to remain in office for a period of time or until replaced. Individuals nominated to independent commissions and boards under the Committee’s jurisdiction serve for terms that may expire during or transcend through presidential administrations.

NOTE: The nominations matrix is updated as the Committee receives and processes documents.