Senate Majority Leader John Thune is driving the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominees with remarkable speed, despite facing significant opposition from Senate Democrats.
These Democrats have been intent on blocking nearly all of the president’s nominees, yet Thune’s leadership in the Senate has ensured a faster approval process compared to past administrations. Thune has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Democrats’ stalling tactics but remains resolute in his commitment to pushing through the president’s picks.
In a recent interview, Thune voiced his belief that the American public would soon tire of the Democrats’ obstructionist approach. He highlighted the confirmation of former Missouri Rep. Billy Long to lead the IRS as a significant milestone, marking the 80th civilian nominee confirmed since January. This pace of confirmations under Thune’s leadership surpasses that of President Joe Biden’s first year and even Trump’s previous term.
According to the Senate Republican Communications Center (SRCC), the confirmation rate for Trump’s nominees as of June 5 exceeds that of the Biden administration by 16 nominees and the first Trump administration by 33.
However, nearly 100 nominees are still awaiting floor consideration, according to the Senate executive calendar. This backlog is partly due to Democrats’ blanket holds on many nominees, forcing the Senate to spend valuable time on individual confirmations.
Thune criticized Democrats for only allowing a swift confirmation for one Trump nominee, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who still faced a roll call vote despite unanimous support. Thune pointed out that Trump’s administration is the first since Herbert Hoover’s nearly a century ago not to have a single civilian nominee confirmed via voice vote or unanimous consent. He emphasized that this level of obstruction is unprecedented in modern history.
The majority leader has called on Senate Democrats to follow historical precedent and allow bipartisan nominees to receive expedited consideration. Despite receiving significant support from both parties, nominees like Dale Marks for Assistant Secretary of Defense still faced multiple votes for confirmation. The Democrats have similarly delayed 18 other nominees who had received at least 60 votes in support.
Thune’s efforts to solidify Trump’s team coincide with his work on advancing the president’s significant tax reforms and other Republican-supported legislation through the Senate. In the past week, the Senate confirmed five civilian nominees and advanced key crypto legislation, which are critical components of Trump’s legislative agenda. Thune has indicated his willingness to extend Senate sessions or cancel recesses to overcome Democratic delays.
Thune has made it clear in Senate speeches that he is ready to employ any necessary measures to secure the confirmation of Trump’s nominees who have bipartisan support.
He has warned that he might keep the Senate in session during weekends if the Democrats’ obstruction persists. However, he noted that passing the president’s major tax bill remains a priority.
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