Senate Republicans on Thursday invoked the “nuclear option” and changed the chamber’s rules to more easily confirm dozens of President Trump’s stalled sub-Cabinet nominees.
The 53-43 party-line vote came after negotiations intensified earlier Wednesday on a bipartisan deal to speed the nominations, but it failed to get enough Democratic support and Republicans moved forward with the partisan rule change.
“This … has to be fixed,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who was visibly frustrated on the floor. “We offered you a proposal that had your fingerprints on it. It wasn’t even your fingerprints, you initiated it.”
“It’s time to move. It’s time to quit stalling. … It’s time to fix this place,” Thune continued.
The majority party can now approve “en bloc” with a simple majority. Unfortunately, it doesn’t cover judges. For that, we need to get rid of the blue slip.
Amy Klobuchar and Angus King wanted to do it last year.
We hear Chuck Schumer isn’t taking it well.
