Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) criticized Senate Democrats and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for what he described as unprecedented obstruction of President Donald Trump’s nominees. In remarks delivered on the Senate floor, Schmitt expressed support for Majority Leader Thune’s proposed rule change that would allow the Senate to vote on blocks of nominees simultaneously, aiming to expedite the confirmation process.

Schmitt cited Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the Constitution, which requires Senate advice and consent for federal officers, stating that Democrats have failed in their duty to negotiate in good faith with Republicans and the Trump administration. He argued that this obstructionism has resulted in historically low numbers of confirmed nominees during President Trump’s current term.

According to Schmitt, “Yet today, in defiance of that vision, Democrat obstruction leaves President Trump on pace to have just 426 nominees confirmed by the end of this 119th Congress—the lowest in history, less than half of Biden’s 817 or even President Trump’s first term’s 715.” He projected that by the end of Trump’s term there would be only 872 confirmations—marking the first time a president would fall below 1,000 confirmed nominees compared to previous administrations.

Schmitt also highlighted an increase in procedural delays: “Democrats have required cloture 360% more in President Trump’s second term’s first 200 days than in his first—137 nominees subjected to it, nearly double Biden’s 71 and far beyond Obama’s paltry 9.” He noted that most past presidents had over half their nominees confirmed via voice vote or unanimous consent—a practice not seen during this session for President Trump.

He stated that “the average time from nomination to confirmation” has increased significantly under these circumstances. The backlog includes “139 nominees on the Executive Calendar, 153 in committee, [and] 786 not yet received,” leaving less than twelve percent of positions filled nearly a quarter into the presidential term.

Schmitt accused Democrats of turning “the cooling saucer of the Senate into a deep freezer,” but said he believes reform is possible. He referenced bipartisan calls from previous Congresses to streamline confirmations by voting on nominee blocks and quoted Democratic colleagues: “The slowdown of the confirmation process that we’ve seen in the Senate under the last several administrations is preventing key officials from taking up their positions. This commonsense reform will help improve efficiency and make sure we’re able to fill positions that are vital to our national security, economic success, and more.”

He concluded by supporting Majority Leader Thune's efforts: “I applaud the Majority Leader’s backing of President Trump’s Agenda, President Trump’s nominees, and making our government work for the people. America demands no less.”