OTHERS SAY: The Senate should not abolish its power over nominees | Arkansas Democratic Newspaper

Presidents deserve broad freedom to choose the members of their cabinet. But at the same time, the Senate must take its role of advice and consent seriously if the balance of power is to be maintained.

Donald Trump has raised eyebrows with his choice to lead various government agencies. However, many of his top picks include Susie Wiles for Chief of Staff, Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, Lee Zeldin for EPA, Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior, and Chris Wright for Chief. Department of Energy – reasonable and efficient. men and women who will serve with honor.

Others were more controversial.

Trump has made no secret of the fact that he expects the Republican Senate to respond quickly to his nominees. Thanks to Sen. Harry Reid’s “nuclear option” that eventually blew up in his party’s face, candidates no longer need 60 votes to overcome the threat of a filibuster. But Democrats could still use procedural tricks to undo the work.

In that case, Trump called on GOP leadership to agree to so-called “break appointments” if nominees stall. This tactic, permitted by the Constitution, can be used when both chambers of Congress are not in session for at least 10 days, and would result in term limits without Senate confirmation of the nominee in question.

It is clear that several Republican senators are reluctant to give up their power to influence Trump’s appointments.

“I don’t think we should bypass the responsibilities of the Senate,” Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas told CNN. “But I think it’s premature to talk about calling a break right now.” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) told the cable channel: “I expect that we will treat every administration nominee, Democrat or Republican, with respect, but at the end of the day, you have to, if you have the votes, you better have a resume. That’s how the process works.”

Trump’s nominees deserve timely consideration in the Senate, and new Senate Majority Leader John Thune must do everything he can to make that happen. However, breaks should be used sparingly and only as a last resort.