Majority Leader Thune exercises “nuclear option” after unprecedented obstruction to approval process.
The Senate voted along party lines to approve changes to chamber rules to facilitate the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominees. Senate Majority Leader Thune intends to get through the backlog of over 140 of President Trump’s nominees, approving them in large groups rather than individually. The change does not apply to Cabinet members nor the judiciary, only executive branch civilian positions.
The Senate minority leadership had been stalling the voting process in an unprecedented manner. Typically, the minority party in the Senate allows a voice vote or unanimous consent to approve lower-level positions as a courtesy. After making no progress on confirming hundreds of nominees, the majority said they had no other choice but to change the nomination process.
Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming said before the vote on Thursday, “Instead of deliberation, Senate Democrats chose unprecedented delay. That ends now.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Senator Thune and members of the majority as they seek to confirm lower-level nominees to President Trump’s administration.
- For Minority Leader Schumer to serve his party and the American people with integrity and honesty.
Sources: Axios, CNN, NPR
