President Biden’s pick to become secretary of education received a warm reception on Capitol Hill Wednesday. Connecticut public schools commissioner Miguel Cardona told a Senate committee he favors reopening schools during the pandemic with science-driven guidance from the CDC. He also pushed back at Republican Senator Rand Paul, saying transgender students should be allowed to participate in sports based on gender identity.

Sen. Rand Paul: “So you don’t have a problem then with boys running in the girls’ track meet, swimming meets, you name it? You’re OK then with boys competing with girls?”

Miguel Cardona: “Respectfully, Senator, I think I answered the question. I believe schools should offer the opportunity for students to engage in extracurricular activities even if they’re transgender. I think that’s their right.”

Meanwhile President Biden’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency told a Senate panel Wednesday that he would restore science and transparency at the EPA while working to address the urgent threat of climate change. If confirmed, Michael Regan would be the first Black man to lead the EPA.