The Senate confirmed the nomination of Gina McCarthy as Director of the Environmental Protection Agency. As Assistant Director for Air and Radiation, McCarthy was a key architect of the Obama Administration's draconian regulatory policy that has cost jobs and banned construction of coal-fired plants. After her confirmation, McCarthy's top policy advisor was charged with taking $900,000 in pay and benefits illegally. ACU opposed limiting debate (cloture) on her nomination but the Senate passed a cloture motion on July 18, 2013, by a vote of 69-31.