washington u.s. senate thursday narrowly confirm south carolina congressman mick mulvaney serve white house budget director 51-49 vote largely follow party line underscore rocky reception president donald trump cabinet nominees capitol hill vote come republican senator john mccain oppose mulvaney along 46 democrats two independents mccain chairman senate arm service committee say wednesday concern mulvaney opposition defense spend outspoken budget hawk brand democrats threat popular social program include social security medicare mulvaney enter house representatives tea party candidate 2011 member conservative house freedom caucus democrats also criticize fail pay 15,000 tax relate household employee nominate mulvaney narrowly approve early month senate budget committee senate homeland security committee mccain provide crucial yes vote move nomination forward senate confirm mulvaney trump 's budget director