The Senate Judiciary Committee held confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general candidate, Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), on January 10 and 11. Sessions is a long-time fixture in D.C., and most committee members were familiar with his positions, and character.

Testimony from both sides of the aisle praised Sessions' character, though Democrats noted that they do disagree vigorously on some issues.

Donald Trump is one of, if not the most, active president-elects in recent history. For better or worse, since November 8th Donald Trump has in many ways already assumed the office of President of the United States. It is common for all president-elects to name their cabinet members, do interviews, buy a pet to bring to the white house, etc. in the days leading to Inauguration Day. However, in keeping with his unconventional style, Trump is redefining what it means to be president-elect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f2ROIPRWD0

Video Credit: PBS NewsHour

Thursday, January 12, marked day 3 of confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks. Among those that went before U.S. senators was retired Gen. James Mattis, Trump's pick to head the Department of Defense.

The secretary of Defense leads the largest government agency, with more than 1.3 million active duty military and nearly 700,000 civilian staff, in addition to 1.1 million citizens in the National Guard and Reserve forces.

Republicans seem to be in a stride to repeal Obamacare, a name that was coined by President Obama’s enemies to more effectively attack the Affordable Care Act. They’ve spent the last 6 years bashing it, lambasting it – along with its enactor – and have promised their base time and time again that if and when they get back to power, they will give the ACA a swift death.

2016 was an unusual and emotional election year. However, a presidential election should not be what defines how we as Americans connect. We have faced greater years of turmoil, starting with our fight for independence, through world wars, a Great Depression, and 9/11. Through it all, our resiliency is seen across generations. We are strong, and our nation will move forward because of our core values.