What You Need to Know About Obstruction of the President’s Nominees
WHAT: President Donald J. Trump’s nominees have been confirmed at a historically low rate.
President Trump has sent a steady stream of qualified nominees to the U.S. Senate for confirmation to positions throughout the Federal Government and the judiciary. However, the U.S. Senate is lagging behind, confirming individuals at a historically low rate and harming the effective functioning of our Government.
As of February 20, 2018, the Senate has confirmed only 51% of the President’s nominees. This dismal number stands in stark contrast to 79% for President Obama (79%), President George W. Bush (65%), President Clinton (66%), and President George H. W. Bush (74%). Obstruction by Senate Democrats has resulted in 133 fewer confirmations than President Obama. And this is notwithstanding the fact that President Trump has sent 130 more nominations to the Senate than President George H.W. Bush had.
WHY: Senate Democrats are abusing Senate procedure to stonewall the President’s nominees.
In addition to blocking the President’s nominees, Senator Chuck Schumer and the Democrats are using the nomination process as a weapon to impede other Senate business. Democrats are forcing cloture votes—which require 30 hours of debate time on the Senate floor—at an unprecedented rate. They have forced more cloture votes on the President’s nominees in just his first year in office than for the first terms of the last of the last four presidents combined. The Senate confirmed hundreds more of President Obama’s and President Clinton’s nominees than President Trump’s.
Even non-controversial nominees who are unanimously or overwhelmingly supported have been subject to 30 hours of debate because of this cynical stall tactic. Jerome Powell, nominee to be Chairman of the Federal Reserve, was ultimately confirmed by a vote of 84-13 following a forced cloture vote. Four recent nominees for district judgeships originally subject to cloture were later confirmed by the Senate unanimously.
This is a deliberate tactic to slow down the work of Congress and stall the business of the American people.
In fact, the Democrats’ abuse of the Senate blue slip tradition regarding judicial nominees has forced Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley to hold hearings on some judicial nominees even without the support of both state Senators. In a recent op-ed, Sen. Grassley said he has returned to the approach of 16 of the past 18 judiciary chairmen, including Joe Biden, by which blue slips are a way to ensure consultation between the President and legislature, not a means to give individual Senators a veto.
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So sad that the Dems choose party over what is best for the U.S. Such hypocrites. Can’t McConnell change the vote and go ahead and approve Trump’s choices anyway? What is he doing to help Trump and his agenda?
McConnell is one of our politician Traitors.
They know if trump gets what he wants schumer and the rest of them are doomed, finished in politics, America will see whats behind the curtain, total democratic corruption, stealing from the tax payer thats why every effort is to stop Trump at all cost.even though they have no candidates worth a dam, the DMC is bankrupt and no plan for America other than to fill their own pockets
Trump is new to dealing with a pack of criminal baboons. They not only obstruct with their nefarious votes. They enact laws that deny freedoms — then offer them back as entitlements to certain classes. Sometimes they just gift entitlements to colossal numbers of those who already survive on government largesse, e.g., free telephones to the unemployed.
Senator McDonald needs to do away with the 60 vote cloture rule, it is unconstitutional. Or replace him with someone who will.
Actions of the democrats just reaffirms my support of President Trump. I have never in my 77 years witnessed such ignorant behavior such as the democrats have enacted upon our country and our citizens. I hope all of those who are up for reelection lose. We don’t need anymore of their childish behavior.
Completely agree!
AMEN
The Dems are doing it so that all the Obama holdovers will wield more power over the decisions within their respective departments, proving Trump to be ineffective. I think this will eventually backfire – or I’m sure hoping it does. The Swamp is still in power, and it will be a while before Trump can turn the tables on them – but, mark my words, HE WILL!
When we have the most childish president in history, what can you expect. In my 75 years, I have never witnessed such offensive and unpresidential behavior from a supposed commander in chief. He is an embarrassment and the people he has appointed don’t have any idea how to do their jobs. They ARE the swamp.
Free speech is still alive at the whitehouse – at least
Use your brain not your emotions to make decisions.
God help the dems but they are like little children.Face it 47 % approval hes up with Hispanics by 10 %.6,.7 million jobs available unemployment lowest since 60s. Lowest black unemployment ever. business confidence up new factories being built in the us not in mexico economy rolling . Unprecedented deal with North korea.
You try doing all this and see if it doesn’t make you a little cranky when you have the entire media waiting to lie about you. Falsely persecuting you.
Gods hand is on him and there’s nothing those walking in darkness can do about it till he is done.
Buckle up for another 6 years and watch God use this man to put this country back on track.
God bless all you patriotic men and women and God bless President Trump
Amen!!! Couldn’t have said it any better
I’m with you Jo, Democrats in my opinion is the Party of Evil, they don’t care about our Country, they are eagerly trying to turn this Country into a “Banana Republic”, where only the elite of the government, has all the money and power, to do whatever they want, like Venezuela, Mexico, etc. And that woman, Pelosi, should be thrown out of Washington next to Schumer, who are the most evil of them all.
You are right about Pelosi and Schumer. The Democrats are wanting the NWO. They don’t want anything President Trump does to be paszed. They care nothing about the people they only want to be in. control and get as much money and control as they can. This will be the start of the NWO. With Soros and others leading the way with their money and their agenda Im not sure the people have a chance. This is why they want our guns and using the kids to make everyone feel guilty. They don’t care about the kids they are just using them to try to get our guns so we won’t be able to fight back.
AMEN!!!
IMPRISON THOSE DEMOCRATS FOR TREASON!!!
AMEN!
Well put Jo
It is time for the GOP to use the ” Nuclear option” permitting a simple majority vote. We need judge’s positions filled now. We need judges that will proetect the Constitution if and when the Dems return to coruptive power
i SINCERELY AGREE WITH YOU!
They all need to grow up, do their jobs they were elected to do, or move over and let someone who will, do it for them. They need to pack up and move on.
I BET IF the DEMONRATS were not going to get their salary or insurance they might take care of THE PEOPLES business they might be more proned to get things take care of you n record time. They are simply evil and self-serving!!!!!!!!!! They will be voted out!!!
GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT, DONALD J. TRUMP AND HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
this so called Senate.
are NOTHING BUT OBSTRUCTIONIST.
and ESPECIALLY from the COMMUNIST DEMORAT SIDE.
The Republicans are no better. They have the ability to use the nuclear option. Yet McConnell refuses to do so. Why? There are a number of so-called Republicans that are obstructing him as well!
They can’t even get nominees discussed in the committee!
This ought to help people realize that many in politics are working more for the party and their pocketbook welfare than for the welfare of the citizens of the United States of America.
Instead of flying to and from their states every Monday and Friday maybe they should stay and get the work done. If the Democrats want to continue obstruction so be it, but they shouldn’t go home until the work is done.
i SECOND THIS MOTION! aLL IN FAVOR SAY AYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Liberals & Leftists have had pretty much a ‘cake-walk’ advancing their Socialist Agenda since L.B.Johnson’s administration in the 1960’s.
Now cometh President Donald John Trump to STOP their agenda ! Desperate are they!
Don’t be surprised at their politically suicidal conduct and their self-destruction ! GOOD !
I would really like to see President Trump “tweet” a whole bunch about this disgusting democrat behavior.
What would happen if the Republicans had a super majority in both houses of Congress?
I am hoping a lot more Trump Agenda supporters are elected in this November.
We who are of voting age should vote down the Demo’s as they truly are ‘stupid egotistic democrats that people are being to truly dislike…and yes they are ‘obstructionist’ to our country, life-style, and way of life. I’m ready to only vote Republican!
Sara Gram
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We who are of voting age should vote down the Demo’s as they truly are ‘stupid egotistic democrats that people are being to truly dislike…and yes they are ‘obstructionist’ to our country, life-style, and way of life. I’m ready to only vote Republican!
Not unstructionists! Just plain unqualified and questionable nominees.
YOU, AN EXPERT, WOULD KNOW???
Who do you claim is unqualified and questionable? GOTCHA.
That is just plain horse feathers. More than half of the marxist moslem Obama’s ‘nominees were not qualified i.e. Holder, Ginsberg,Comey on and on.
‘
Baloney Art, You have no idea wether they are unqualified or not. A questionable nominee would be you Art.
Who does Chuck Schumer represent? Must be money because he does not represent the working and retired middle class in America.
Name one. You lie.
Wrong comment for my reply. As to Schumer? He represents ONE WORLD ORDER.
These obstructionist do not care what the american people want, they have already been paid to do a job. The problem is Hillary didn’t get elected, so that job became very difficult. Impossible really, and they know it, but they have already been paid!!! so all they can do is stall, and postpone there way to the next election, and hope. I can only imagine what is going to happen in this country if these swamp rats (traitors)( democrat, or republican) continue to push the people who truly care about this country. It is obvious that the people are getting fed up, because the people showed up in hordes at the voting booths. If they think that is the worst thing that could happen they are sadly mistaken.
How would you know ART? are you privy to all the nominees qualifications that the rest of the country isn’t? Just another lip syncing CNN news liberal.
Jolly roger, TY fior you for calling out out the mimicking liberal sheep: They know nothing; exactly what the Dem Ldrs want: To create a cimpliant and unaware citizenry. Do Liberals even know how their party leaders disrespect them? https://www.infowars.com/clinton-campaign-email-outlines-effort-to-produce-an-unaware-and-compliant-citizenry/
Sounds like Grassley and the Republicans are admitting that they have been GIVING CONTROL to the Democrats instead of resisting them.
Yes, they ARE complicit Yes, they are working against America. Don’t forget this when it is election time. PRIMARY them out of office.
I personally won’t be voting anyone that hasn’t stood for the American people back into office in my state I promise. This kindergarten s*** has gotten old real quick
The Republican leaders should cut off Democrat obstructionists and vote on these qualified candidates. I especially have lost confidence in the poor leadership of Mitch McConnell and feel he should be replaced with a genuine conservative leader. Mitch has not been n a solid supporter of what President Trump is trying to achieve and has been too weak in resisting the relentless lawlessness of many Democrats. The Democrat party is too un-American and socialist.
I want to send President Trump an email. I know he is very busy. My email will be: THE SAVING OF AMERICA, AND LEGISLATION THAT WOULD BE GOOD FOR AMERICA. Please reply. I could send the email to 1600daily.com That way you could forward the email to President Trump.
My Best Regards,
Robert Morris
We still have work to do, so that we the people can take our country back from the hateful leftist. Please encourage all Republicans to get out the VOTE, or AMERICA loses.
Shame on the Senate for deliberately holding up the passing of Trumps nominees. Shimmer and all the rest of his henchmen need to go! Unfortunately they have put a blemish on the decent and fair Democrats in the Senate. Shimmer is so unAmerican and a traitor to this country by not supporting our President. Let’s vote out all these socialistic communist parasites once and for all! You Mr Shummer are the enemy who is bringing our country down. How does your conscience allow you to sleep at night you godless freak?
Good article. Chuck Schumer and his band of obstructionists are blocking effective functioning of our country. President Trump was duly elected President of the US and deserves the respect and reasonable function of the Congress. Eight months fromnow when we reelect Congress, I hope everyone remembers that it is the Democrats who are responsible for preventing the
passing of laws to manage immigration and to fill vacant judicial, diplomatic, and administrative posts in the government. Diselect the obstructionist Democrats!
Forcing the cloture vote – 30 hours – explains why the Senate can never get anything done. What a total waste of their time, especially when they are off more than they are working. Congress has way too many holidays and way too many benefits. They live in a world that only exists in their privileged existence. Something certainly has to change.
The democrats are going the way of the dinosaurs. They have no real political platform. Obstructionism is not a plank in any platform; it is the lack of a plank. With Chuckie Schumer as the poster boy for term limits, the democrats will continue to show their obsolescence at an even faster pace.
The Senate rubber stamped every single one of Obama’s nominees without hardly any vetting or debate at all. Now they obstruct Trumps nominees no matter how qualified they are. It is all part of their resist and obstruct movement. They do not want Trump to succeed . They are upset that Obama’s drive to fundamentally change our nation into a socialist police state is being hindered.
Vote out all incumbents running for reelection in the fall. Get rid of as many as possible during the primaries. We need a fresh start in congress.
AMEN!!!
IMPRISON THOSE DEMOCRATS FOR TREASON!!!
Hey there,native Texan. I could not have said it better myself. The short of it is their precious Killary lost,we won & instead of accepting it,being supportive to “r” Donald,they won’t go away & play nice! Yes,”Odumbo” still pulls the strings re” da’ “Dummocraps”,however,as Killary found out,she had never encountered anyone like “The Donald”,took things for granite,sold all fish b/4 putting them in the boat & now can’t handle the truth as Jack Nicholson once said in a great movie! I met da’ Donald many years ago while in Vegas thru Steve Wynn & envisioned that this man belives as I do,you can never rush quality! Once the time is right,”r” Commander-in-Chief will do the right thing cause it’s the right thing to do!
I served my country many years ago as a Navy Seal(4) years in Nam’,absorbed discipline/maturity accordingly as “r” “Potus” did & have done very well accordingly as we “r” very similar. There w/b an immense turn-a-round & they won’t be able to run away w/their tails between their legs!
Former proud Vet,Martin Joseph Gannon
G grsnt, so are the Dems (against America). Can’t imagine voting for leaders who you know consider you ‘Compliant and unaware’ and who want that to be their legacy. Worse yet is that Dem leaders would be fulfilled with such a citizenry. A good Manager enables those whom they lead.
The Republicans in the Senate need to obstruct or block any proposed Democrat legislation and go to the 50 percent rule as changed to by Senator Harry Reid, wherever possible, to speed up Republican legislation. Simply assume that the Democrats are NEVER going to be of any help. It is basically war between them and us. They are stalling in the event they take enough seats to cause even more trouble for President Trump.
All made possible by MITCH, Obama’s B****, McConnell. Did the Democrats adhere to ridiculous, made up senate rules not in the Constitution when THEY were in power?? Did they hide behind these made up rules & allow the Republicans to derail Obama’s agenda? 90% of Obama’s slimy, corrupt, sociopathic nominees are still in power throughout our government.
It is time Republican voters wake up & realize that 3/4 of the Republicans in congress are leftist globalists working for the same leftist globalist communist billionaires as the Democrats.
Your comment is awaiting moderation. WHY??
All made possible by Mitch McConnell. Did the Democrats adhere to ridiculous, made up senate rules not in the Constitution when THEY were in power?? Did they hide behind these made up rules & allow the Republicans to derail Obama’s agenda? 90% of Obama’s slimy, corrupt, sociopathic nominees are still in power throughout our government.
It is time Republican voters wake up & realize that 3/4 of the Republicans in congress are leftist globalists working for the same leftist globalist communist billionaires as the Democrats.
The US MILITARY should be investigating EVERY “Obstructor” for treason for attempting to undermine and ovethrow a lawfully elected Administration.
The polls on President Trump are at 50% and climbing. The Dems are not paying attention and the likely hood of taking over the House are heading down. Most of the polls taken are on the east and west coast and aren’t showing the fly over portion of the US so they aren’t accurate. Just heard Fienstein isn’t going to be backed by the DNC. The American people aren’t as stupid as the Democratic leaders think. Keep the Faith. Pelosi is helping the Republicans just by being
Stupid. and wanting to mow the lawn on the Border.
Hard to believe with ALL the laws, E/O s, bills! Nothing can be done to stop this BS? Its we the people that suffer in the long run! Hey demonrats we won, get with the business of helping OUR country! You lleftys, commies, never Trumpers and EVIL REPBS would rather see OUR country stagnant and have your own supporters suffer because you THINK you know better? Should not matter who the President is, USA first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never killery, we would be in turmoil like never before!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can Schumer, pelozi, McCain and other obstructionists be impeached for obstruction of Government?
So, what actions can be taken by Citizens to fix this? Elections are very questionable as a redress of grievances at this point. Look at the GMO battles that are lost by the majority. Courts are expensive to swing the corruption in your favor.
Love Trump and the work he is doing – proud as heck – but we are still powerless most fronts.
PS: Love how easy it is to comment on this site. No links to technocratic sensor sites. Feel like an individual for a bit, not a suspect being tracked.
If McConnell actually does have the power to move things faster through Congress, then why doesn’t he? If he doesn’t build a fire under himself soon, let’s build it for him. He, like anyone else, can be replaced. This is but one more reason to have term limits for many offices in politics. The so-called “Halls of Congress” have become the career playground of professional windbags. Once in, stay put and work the system for a career. You are now a permanent fixture who can milk the public for years to come.
Trudeau of Canada is a real snake in the grass. Shake hands with someone and then slip the knife in the back when the person is is not around. How unmanly! Trudeau has shown the world that he is a real sneak who can never be trusted again.
Congratulations, President Trump: Americans and the world citizens are with you.
We have now seen how thoroughly Trudeau has betrayed an accepted standard of conduct; he will never be seen as respectable again.
McConnel and Graham slow walking Trumps nominees – who would have thought.