We now know what it takes to get the Senate GOP to actually spend some time doing their jobs—the threat of a Democratic blockade. Politico writes:
With Senate Democrats threatening to drag out the confirmation process for weeks, the GOP is preparing to keep the chamber running around the clock if that’s what it takes to speedily confirm Trump’s Cabinet. It’s the kind of retaliatory strategy that would bring all-night sessions, 3 a.m. votes and a long slog through the first months of Trump’s presidency that could sap some of the GOP’s legislative momentum. [...]
Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas: “The Senate can stay in session around the clock; we can stay through the weekend. If [Democrats] want to stay here and demonstrate that they’re obstructionists rather than try to work in good faith … then I think they’ll pay a price for that.”
Yes, please. Around the clock. Make Republicans pay the price for stocking Trump's swamp. Make them work for it. We can expect the fireworks to start as soon as Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, when some Trump nominees will reportedly be ready for confirmation votes.
In an interview, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said every one of President Barack Obama’s nominees had an ethics report and a 90-day plan to avoid conflicts of interest by Jan. 10, 2009. [...]
“Listen, bottom line is, we believe that these nominees need a thorough vetting. And the original intent of doing all of them the first week or two isn’t going to work,” Schumer said. “I hope we can come to reasonable agreement; that’s what I hope. We’re not rushing these through.”
Nice to see Schumer showing resolve. Forcing the GOP to spend several weeks on confirmations can deal a setback to Trump's agenda during the first precious months of his presidency. The longer congressional Republicans stew on the Hill, the more likely the seeds of discord will take root. Fostering GOP infighting will be one of Democrats' most potent weapons.