Senate confirms Robert Santos to become first Latino Census director

• During his confirmation hearing before a Senate panel, Santos said that while he understands the position is a political appointment, he is "no politician. I'm a scientist, executive-level manager, a researcher and a longtime supporter of the Census Bureau," per NPR.

Background: Santos was vice president and chief methodologist of the Urban Institute. When the White House announced his nomination, they said "[h]e is an expert in survey sampling, survey design and more generally in social science/policy research, with over 40 years of experience."

• He is also the president of the American Statistical Association and was president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research and a member of the International Statistical Institute.

What they're saying: "A native of San Antonio who grew up in a Mexican-American family, Mr. Santos has become one of the top statisticians in the country in his 40 year career," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote in a statement. "He will be the first Hispanic — and in fact the first person of color — to become a permanent director in the agency’s history,"

• "He is exactly the kind of person our country needs overseeing our Census: an impartial, highly experienced professional from outside politics."