Top Senate Republicans, led by John Thune and John Barrasso, vowed to stay in session until all of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees are confirmed, effectively blocking the possibility of recess appointments and addressing Democratic opposition.

Senate Republicans Commit to Long Sessions
In an effort to ensure President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees are confirmed, Senate Republicans have pledged to remain in session indefinitely. Senator John Barrasso, the No. 2 Senate Republican, stated that no recess would be considered until the entire Cabinet is confirmed, echoing similar sentiments expressed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Recess Appointments Off the Table
This decision also prevents Trump from utilizing recess appointments, which would allow him to temporarily bypass Senate confirmation. In a meeting with GOP leaders, Trump had floated the idea of recess appointments, but Senate Republicans have instead opted to proceed through regular Senate procedures.
Democratic Delays Extend Timeline
Democrats have used procedural tactics to slow the confirmation of key nominees, including John Ratcliffe (CIA Director), Pete Hegseth (Defense Secretary), and Kristi Noem (DHS Secretary). While Democrats lack the numbers to block nominations outright, their strategies can consume significant floor time, delaying votes.
Historical Context of Recess Appointments
Recess appointments, last used by former President Barack Obama, were significantly restricted after a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that deemed several of Obama’s appointments unconstitutional. Senate Republicans are wary of revisiting the controversial practice, with Thune indicating that their focus is on confirming nominees through standard procedures.
Commitment to Obama-Era Confirmation Pace
Senator Thune noted that the goal is to match the pace of confirmations achieved during the Obama administration, emphasizing the importance of maintaining procedural integrity while addressing delays caused by the opposing party.
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