Despite Democrats’ attempts to slow down the process to approve President Donald Trump’s picks for various administration positions, the Republican-led Senate is confirming nominees at a record pace.
The Senate Republicans Communication Center reported on Tuesday that under the leadership of Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., confirmations are moving quicker than they did during the Biden administration and Trump’s first term.
As of Feb. 4, the previous two administrations – former President Joe Biden’s and Trump’s first term – only had six nominees confirmed, while the current administration has 11 positions officially filled.
On Tuesday, Trump’s pick for attorney general in Pam Bondi was confirmed, as was Doug Collins for secretary of veterans affairs.
Tulsi Gabbard, selected for director of national intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., chosen to lead the department of health and human services, are next up for their confirmation votes after making it out of committee hearings on Tuesday.
After Gabbard and RFK Jr., nine more nominees await confirmation.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., shared a roundup on X of where confirmations stand as of Tuesday night.
A handful of Republican senators chimed in on the pace and promised to keep it up until all nominees are confirmed.
‘.@SenateGOP is delivering results. Despite Democrat obstruction, we’re confirming @POTUS’ nominees at a strong pace—faster than in the Biden admin or first Trump admin. I’ll keep fighting to confirm President Trump’s team,’ Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., wrote on X.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mon., said the chamber is ‘ahead of schedule and not slowing down.’
The last administration to have all nominees quickly confirmed was former President George W. Bush, whose entire Cabinet was in place by Feb. 1, according to PresidentialTransition.org.
Trump’s first term saw all picks confirmed by the end of April, a timeline similar to former President Barack Obama’s, while Biden’s Cabinet was filled by March 22.