In prelude to nuclear option, Senate rejects speeding up confirmation of nominees

The Senate inched closer Tuesday to Republicans using the “nuclear option” to slash the time for debate on the vast majority of judicial and executive nominations.

Senators blocked, 51-48, an effort by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring up a resolution that would have set a new standing order. The support of 60 senators would have been needed to advance the debate.

It came as part of the never-ending debate over delays in confirmation of nominations, particularly on lower-level executive branch nominations and district judges.

The resolution picked up steam as the GOP has fumed that Democrats have periodically required the use of all 30 hours after cutting off debate on President Donald Trump’s nominations. McConnell has prioritized a makeover of the federal judiciary, pushing federal appeals courts in a more conservative direction through confirmation of Trump nominees. The effort to change the rules will allow the majority leader to turn the Senate’s attention to district courts.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/in-prelude-to-nuclear-option-senate-rejects-speeding-up-confirmation-of-nominees/ar-BBVxScq?li=BBnb7Kz