Republican senators vying to become the next leader of the party have pledged to quickly confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees despite his criticism of some of their views.
Senator Rick Scott of Florida was the first to respond, saying he would “do whatever it takes” to get Trump’s nominations through as quickly as possible. This move earned him an endorsement from billionaire Elon Musk, one of Trump’s biggest backers.
Other senators, including John Thune and John Cornyn, also vowed to swiftly staff Trump’s administration. Thune said they must act quickly to deliver on the mandate sent by voters and consider all options to get nominees in place.
Cornyn stated that if Senate Democrats block Trump’s cabinet appointments, he will keep the Senate in session, even on weekends, until they relent. He pointed out that the Constitution gives the president the power to make recess appointments.
The declarations from the senators came as part of Trump’s latest demands for a speedy confirmation process. The President-elect has urged Republicans to agree to recess appointments without which he claims they will not be able to get officials confirmed in time.
Trump’s previous struggles with filling positions quickly have been attributed to delay tactics employed by Senate Democrats during his first term. However, the president now wants to use recess appointments as a way around Senate approval.
This move has raised concerns among Democrats who are aiming to confirm President Biden’s judicial nominees before Republicans take control of the chamber.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/10/us/politics/republican-senators-trump-scott-thune-cornyn.html