Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced Friday that the Senate would remain in session through the weekend to address President Donald Trump\u2019s backlog of nominees, as Democrats continued to delay confirmations. The Senate was set to begin its August recess, but that plan was derailed amid Democratic demands for roll call votes on even routine appointments.<\/p>\n
Trump urged the Senate to postpone its break, arguing his nominees should not wait. On Saturday, the Senate confirmed Jeanine Pirro as D.C.\u2019s top prosecutor, one of over 150 pending nominations. Despite efforts to move more confirmations forward, negotiations collapsed after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly demanded $1 billion in federal funds and assurances against future spending cuts\u2014conditions Trump publicly rejected.<\/p>\n
In a heated Truth Social post, Trump dismissed Schumer\u2019s proposal and urged Republicans to reject any deal. Only seven of Trump\u2019s nominees were confirmed before the Senate adjourned for August. Thune stated the Senate would remain open “at least through the weekend” depending on further talks.<\/p>\n
Republicans expressed frustration at the delays. GOP Whip John Barrasso pointed out that Trump is the only modern president to have no nominees confirmed by voice vote or unanimous consent. He emphasized that even routine appointments were being blocked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t normal. This is petty partisan politics at its worst,\u201d Barrasso said, accusing Democrats of using standard nominations as political leverage. With most judicial and executive appointments still unresolved, further action will depend on whether party leaders can strike a deal.<\/p>\n