US Senate Democratic Leader Calls for Traditional Confirmation Process for Trump Nominees • New Jersey Monitor

WASHINGTON – Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter to new Republican leader John Thune on Monday urging him to guide nominees through the traditional confirmation process, including committee hearings and votes.

The letter is likely a response to President-elect Donald Trump urging Senate Republicans to adjourn the chamber for at least 10 days next year so he can make appointments during recess, thereby altering the Senate’s role in confirmation of candidates. Republicans will be in the majority when the new Congress convenes in January, replacing Democrats.

“As we move to the 119th Congress, Senate Democrats are ready and willing to work with Senate Republicans to provide guidance and guidance in evaluating all of the new President’s nominations,” Schumer wrote in the one-page letter . “In particular, we are committed to working together in a bipartisan manner to process each nominee by reviewing standard FBI background investigation materials, scheduling hearings and markups in appropriate committees, and considering nominees in the Senate.”

Thune, whom Republican senators have chosen to replace Mitch McConnell as their leader next year, has not committed to suspending the House session for the time necessary to allow Trump to single-handedly appoint nominees, but has encouraged Democrats repeatedly encouraged not to slow down the process.

“We’re going to make sure we process his nominees to get them into those positions so they can carry out his agenda. How that happens remains to be seen,” the South Dakota Republican said in mid-November.

“Of course, we want to ensure that confirmation hearings are held in our committees, as they normally do, and that these nominees are reported to the full House,” Thune added. “But I said this and I mean it – that we expect a certain level of cooperation from the Democrats to work with us to install these people. And of course we will examine all options to ensure they are implemented quickly.”

Narrow path for nominees

Trump’s nominations drew mixed reactions from Republican senators, with some, like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is likely to become secretary of state, receiving widespread praise while others received a lukewarm reception.

For example, Trump’s first nominee for attorney general, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, withdrew eight days after Trump said he wanted him to lead the Justice Department, amid widespread concerns among Republican senators about allegations of illegality drug use and paying for sex.

Once the next session of Congress begins on January 3, Republicans will hold a 53-seat majority in the Senate, meaning any nominee will lose the support of three Republican senators and still secure confirmation on a party-line vote with Vice President-elect JD Vance breaks the tie.

Democrats may vote for some of Trump’s nominees if they believe they are qualified, but they are unlikely to support the more controversial candidates, such as TV star and former Pennsylvania U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz, whom Trump says he will tap to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

With such slim margins, centrist Republicans like Susan Collins of Maine, McConnell of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska could have influence over Trump’s Cabinet unless the chamber allows recess appointments.

Checks and balances

Schumer wrote in his letter that the Senate’s role is to respect nominees, regardless of who holds the Oval Office or which political party controls the chamber.

“In our system of checks and balances, the Senate plays a critical role in ensuring that the President appoints well-qualified officials who will dutifully serve the American people and uphold his oath to the Constitution,” Schumer wrote. “Regardless of party, the Senate has upheld this sacred duty for generations, and we should not and must not waver in our constitutional duty. We look forward to joining you in this effort as soon as possible once the Senate and its committees are constituted in January.”

Last updated on December 2, 2024, 11:32 am