WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

The GOP's Plan to Tweak the Rules for Senate Confirmation

6 snips
Sep 9, 2025
The discussion dives into the challenges faced in the Senate confirmation process, especially how delays impact government functionality. With Republicans seeking to change rules for confirming nominees, there are concerns about the long-term consequences if Democrats counter with their own rule changes. It also highlights the partisan pressures that complicate decision-making and how historical norms are shifting amid increasing polarization. The potential for future blockages raises intriguing questions about maintaining balance in the Senate.
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INSIGHT

Confirmations Have Become Habitual Obstruction

  • Senate confirmations have devolved into lengthy roll-call votes even for low-level nominees, breaking historical norms of voice votes.
  • Republicans propose block voting for bipartisan or previously unanimous nominees to restore speed and reduce obstruction.
INSIGHT

More Confirmable Jobs Create Bottlenecks

  • The number of Senate-confirmed positions has grown ~60% since 1960, increasing workload and delays.
  • More layers of confirmable officials amplify partisan tactics and slow administration functioning.
ANECDOTE

Held-Up Low-Level Roles Can Pack Power

  • Kim Strassel names specific held-up posts like Federal Highway Administration and CIA Inspector General to show stakes.
  • These lower-level roles can wield significant policy or data influence affecting agency outcomes.
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