Senate Republicans Comments On Senate Tactics
The Democrats in the Senate are playing delay games again, and this time, it’s slowing down the confirmation process for President Donald Trump’s second-term Cabinet nominees. Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune, aren’t holding back their frustration, as the endless stalling tactics threaten to delay crucial appointments at a time when national security and governance demand immediate attention.
Take John Ratcliffe, for example. The former Director of National Intelligence, who was instrumental in countering foreign threats during Trump’s first term, is now nominated to serve as CIA director. His nomination sailed through the Senate Intelligence Committee with bipartisan support, passing 14-3. By all accounts, Ratcliffe should already have his confirmation vote—but no, Senate Democrats, led by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), are throwing up roadblocks, demanding more “debate.” Translation: unnecessary delays for the sake of partisan gamesmanship.
As I’ve repeatedly said, Senate Republicans are ready to work as long as needed to confirm President Trump’s nominees. Nights. Weekends. Recesses. pic.twitter.com/yLl2hIo0pc
— Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) January 22, 2025
Majority Leader Thune wasn’t having it. From the Senate floor, he called out the Democrats for wasting time and jeopardizing America’s national security interests. “This is about America’s national security interests. And we’re stalling,” he said, making it clear that Republicans are ready to work through the weekend if that’s what it takes to confirm Trump’s nominees. Thune is pressing forward, signaling that procedural hurdles won’t stop the Senate from voting—whether it’s Tuesday, Friday, or even Sunday. If the Democrats want to play games, Republicans are ready to call their bluff.
But the Democrats’ obstruction isn’t limited to Ratcliffe. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, nominated for Homeland Security secretary, and Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for Defense secretary, are also caught in the same procedural quagmire, despite both advancing out of committee. And while the Democrats claim they need more time to “debate,” their strategy seems clear: delay, obstruct, and deny President Trump the Cabinet he needs to govern effectively.
Senate Intelligence Chairman Tom Cotton (R-AR) didn’t mince words, accusing the Democrats of dragging out the process purely to play procedural games. “What this is really about is trying to deny President Trump his Cabinet in a prompt and timely fashion,” he said, echoing the frustration felt by many Republicans and Americans who are tired of seeing partisan gridlock undermine national priorities.
My message to obstructionist Democrats:
Don’t make plans this weekend. We’re going to get President Trump’s nominees confirmed the easy collegial way, or apparently the hard way. pic.twitter.com/DJrA09bTqk
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) January 21, 2025
The situation has even led to discussions about recess appointments—an option President Trump has floated before. If the Democrats continue to stall, Trump could sidestep the nonsense and install his nominees during a Senate recess. And honestly, who could blame him? National security and Cabinet leadership shouldn’t be held hostage by political theatrics.
This isn’t the first time Democrats have resorted to obstruction, and it won’t be the last. Even Marco Rubio, who was just sworn in as Secretary of State after a unanimous vote, faced delays for no good reason. Meanwhile, the Judiciary Committee is now facing a week-long hold on advancing Pam Bondi’s nomination as attorney general. Again, more delays, more excuses, more games.