Senate Republicans Seek to Expedite Trump Nominee Confirmations

Senate Republican leadership is under pressure to accelerate the confirmation of President Donald Trump's nominees now that recent legislative efforts have concluded. Senator Mike Lee of Utah has been a vocal advocate for extended Senate sessions, urging leadership to prioritize confirmations, particularly for judicial appointments. His communications director emphasized the importance of securing strong judges who uphold the Constitution.

Judicial Watch's president suggested that Senate Majority Leader John Thune could implement a full Senate workweek to expedite the process. This could involve eliminating time off on Fridays and Monday mornings to encourage negotiations with Senate Democrats. It was argued that the Senate could potentially confirm numerous nominees weekly, a significant increase compared to the pace during recent budget debates.

Various strategies are being considered to expedite confirmations. These include potentially extending the Senate workweek to seven days and delaying or canceling the traditional August recess. The goal is to either expedite the confirmation process or to reach an agreement with Senate Democrats that allows for en bloc confirmations.

While the confirmation of a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations was initially delayed, the Senate swiftly confirmed Trump's Cabinet picks. As of a recent date, 92 civilian positions had been confirmed, a higher number than during the first term. However, approximately 100 executive branch nominees still await a confirmation vote.

The unfilled vacancies in the Trump administration persist, even as efforts are underway to remove nonessential personnel. The lack of confirmed nominees, such as ambassadors, raises questions about the administration's effectiveness in implementing the president's agenda.

Another option is the use of recess appointments. These appointments, allowed under the Constitution, can be made by the president when the Senate is in recess. They could provide the administration with necessary personnel while also encouraging the Senate to fulfill its role in confirming presidential nominees.

Five of Trump’s second-term federal court nominees have already been voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the confirmation of Whitney Hermandorfer, Trump’s first judicial nominee of his second term, this week. She has been nominated for a seat on the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.