Senate Republicans Tackle Nomination Backlog
This morning, Senate Republicans returned to address an extensive backlog of White House nominations that are pending approval. If this situation drags on, the majority might find their options—and even Senate rules—changed significantly.
Several senators worked late into Thursday night, only to be back at it by 11 AM Friday. Despite their efforts, they were expected to take on multiple votes, with the tally hovering over 150. Ironically, Friday marked the start of a planned break. Mike Davis, a notable figure and founder of Section III, quipped that “breaks are for kids” after a long Thursday afternoon.
The longer this drag continues, the more control Democratic career appointees have over the government, which Republicans are not thrilled about.
Traditionally, the Chamber of Commerce rules command respect among its members and wield significant influence, especially when individual senators decide to flex their muscles. Without unanimous consent, discussions can stretch to 30 hours for a single candidate, and bills can linger for weeks.
This unanimous consent used to be the norm for all but the most contentious candidates. Statistics from the majority leader’s office reveal significant changes over time. Under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, the percent of candidates approved with unanimous consent was around 90%. However, under Trump, this figure plummeted to about 65%, and it has further declined to 57% during Biden’s presidency. As of now, it appears to be at zero for Trump’s second term.
It’s a tough reality for Republicans. South Dakota Republican Senator John Thune pointed out numerous records of frustration. So far, the Senate has yet to confirm a single U.S. attorney, including critical positions in Washington, D.C., and Florida.
Take Judge Jason Reding Quinones in Florida, for example. He previously served as a U.S. attorney for the Southern District and was nominated a staggering 78 days ago, yet remains delayed for a national vote.
Another stark reminder is the unfulfilled role of the ambassador to the Holy See. Brian Burch has been waiting as political turbulence continues to undermine the first American papal envoy’s prospects.
This scenario doesn’t escape the attention of the Democrats, who fully understand that the longer it drags, the more the impact falls on their chosen appointees.
On the Republican side, there’s a desire to leave D.C. with a significant legislative victory in hand. It’s not an easy feat, particularly when managing a group of seasoned senators who often arrive late Monday and are ready to hit the road by Thursday.
If Democrats maintain their current stance, Republicans could find themselves in a slow grind. Neither party is keen on spending August in D.C., recalling a similar situation in 2017 where members eventually compromised just before the summer break.
If Democrats refuse to consent, Thune has options available. One could be a rare 10-day break for the Senate; it hasn’t happened in decades. However, if enacted, Trump could make appointments in January 2027 during this break, extending until the end of his current term.
For now, this scenario seems unlikely. The House would need to reconvene to vote on such a measure, necessitating agreement from the Senate majority. Most senators, after all, still wish to weigh in on confirmations.
A more feasible avenue could be to change existing rules. The Senate has a long history of revising procedures when faced with obstruction, and advisors have labeled the current barriers “incredible.”
Some of the ideas on the table include cutting down discussion times, combining nominations into batches (similar to military promotions), or even eliminating the need for Senate approval on lower-level appointments.
One staff member was quoted saying, “If Democrats don’t give them anything, let them die over the weekend.” Another suggested a work schedule running late into the night.
“We need decisions,” a Republican added. “We can’t let Democrats weaponize ‘norms’ to undermine the elected president’s agenda.”
