Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is preparing to use the “nuclear option” to bypass Democratic obstruction and expedite the confirmation of dozens of Trump administration nominees. This tactic would lower the 60-vote filibuster threshold to a simple majority for large batches of lower-level executive nominees, excluding judges and cabinet officials.

On Tuesday, Thune introduced a resolution to accelerate the approval of about 40 subcabinet and minor nominees. As per Senate rules, the resolution first requires a 60-vote cloture motion to end debate — a vote Democrats are expected to block. However, this failure is part of Thune’s strategy to trigger a procedural workaround.

After the failed cloture vote, Thune is expected to switch his vote to the prevailing side, allowing him to call for a revote. He will then raise a point of order arguing that cloture for such resolutions should require only a simple majority. The presiding officer is expected to reject this argument, maintaining precedent.

At that point, Thune will appeal the ruling. A simple majority of 51 votes could overturn it and set a new Senate precedent. If successful, this would permanently reduce the vote threshold for similar grouped nominations, allowing final approval of the nominees with just 51 votes, possibly by Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Supporters argue that the move will break a logjam caused by partisan gridlock and help fill essential administrative roles more efficiently. They note that many of these nominees typically face little opposition and should not be subjected to extended delays.

Critics warn that every use of the nuclear option further erodes the Senate’s commitment to extended debate and bipartisanship. This move would follow in the footsteps of Harry Reid in 2013 and Mitch McConnell in 2017, continuing the trend of weakening the filibuster and reshaping Senate norms.