Senate Republicans Force Rule Change to Expedite Trump Nominee Confirmations

Republicans pushed through a Senate rules change on Thursday to speed up the confirmation process for many of President Donald Trump's nominees. The change, passed by a 45-53 vote, allows nominees to be considered as a group, following the breakdown of bipartisan negotiations.

Efforts to reach a compromise to prevent the Republican "nuclear option" failed when all senators could not agree on a new rules change. Democrats accused Republicans of rushing the process instead of waiting for a negotiated proposal ready early next week.

Senate Democratic Deputy Whip Brian Schatz expressed disappointment over the collapsed negotiations, suggesting that more time was needed. Republican Senator James Lankford cited a lack of trust between the parties, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged Democrats to stop stalling and criticized the confirmation process as broken.

Republicans' rule change will affect executive branch civilian nominees, excluding Cabinet members and the judiciary. The change will not take effect until next week.

Negotiations were based on a plan proposed by Senator Amy Klobuchar, aiming to confirm 10 nominees simultaneously. Republicans were open to the plan if the number was increased to 15 from each Senate committee, but Democrats could not secure consent for the change on Thursday. The "nuclear option" allows Republicans to alter Senate rules with a majority vote, bypassing the usual 67-vote requirement.

Democrats raised concerns that the Republican plan could lead to unqualified nominees being confirmed without proper scrutiny, a claim Republicans refute.