Senate Republicans are considering rule changes to expedite the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominees, including shortening debate time and bundling nominees. This comes amid ongoing Democratic resistance, which has led to prolonged delays in the confirmation process. Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats of using ‘Trump derangement syndrome on steroids’ to block nominations, prompting GOP leaders to consider rule changes to prevent similar obstruction in the future.
However, Democrats, led by Senator Dick Durbin, argue that any rule changes could be exploited by their counterparts, setting a dangerous precedent for the confirmation process. While some Republicans, like Senator Rand Paul, believe the current stalemate is unsustainable and could force rule changes, others, like Senator Ron Johnson, advocate for altering the process to allow any president to staff their administration efficiently. Meanwhile, President Trump has criticized Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley for not eliminating ‘blue slips,’ a practice that allows senators to block nominees in their home states. Grassley, while offended by the attack, has not abandoned the blue slip tradition, despite its historical use during Trump’s first term.