Among the last votes held before the new Congress was seated, the Senate Jan. 2 approved by voice vote a Trump nominee to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Kelvin Droegemeier, a meteorology professor and former member of the National Science Board, will take up a position that has remained vacant for the entire first half of Donald Trump’s tenure as president.

Members of Congress have been critical of the fact that it took Trump until August 2018 to put forward a nominee, in light of the administration’s behavior toward scientists working for the federal government.

Scientist groups have been supportive of Droegemeier for his status as a respected scientist and experienced public servant.