Update (9/10/09): A little after 4:00 pm, the Senate confirmed Cass Sunstein as OIRA administrator. The vote was 57-40. Click here to read OMB Watch’s statement on the confirmation.

Today, Cass Sunstein, President Obama's nominee to head the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, passed a critical test when the Senate voted to end debate on his nomination.

Sunstein's nomination process has been steeped in controversy. Progressive groups have voiced concern over his views on cost-benefit analysis, a flawed tool that agencies use when writing new rules. Some conservative interests scrutinized Sunstein's past writings and statements calling for animal rights and gun control. Republican Senators placed holds on the nomination, delaying Sunstein's confirmation for months after President Obama nominated him in April.

Senate majority leader Harry Reid filed a cloture motion to override the holds. The cloture vote passed 63-35. Now, the table is set for formal confirmation.