Senate may work through weekend on Cabinet Confirmations

The Senate is gearing up for a potential weekend session as lawmakers aim to expedite the confirmation of President Trump's Cabinet nominees. The process has become a flashpoint of political tension, highlighting the partisan divide in Congress.

Partisan Divide Deepens in Confirmation Process

The confirmation battle underscores a recurring theme in Washington politics: partisan retaliation. Four years ago, Democrats criticized Republicans for stalling President Biden’s Cabinet nominees. Now, the roles have reversed.

"If there's any aspect of Congress's work that hasn't been politicized, it's hard to think of what that is," said Washington bureau chief Alex Cameron.

Recent Approvals Amid Growing Tensions

On Thursday, the Senate confirmed former Texas Congressman John Ratcliffe as CIA Director in a 74-25 vote, filling a critical role in President Trump’s administration. Earlier this week, Marco Rubio was confirmed as Secretary of State.

"Republicans and Democrats alike have worked with the president as they first get in office and get their cabinet and these critical positions in place. Democrats are not doing that with us at all," said Sen. Markwayne Mullin.

Democrats Push Back on Key Nominees

Democrats contend that several of Trump’s nominees lack qualifications for their posts. Notable opposition targets include Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, RFK Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Russell Vought for Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

“Mr. Vought is the godfather of the ultra-right,” said Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “He is the chief cook and bottle washer for Project 2025, which would decimate the lives of so many Americans.”

Upcoming Hearings

About two-thirds of Trump’s nominees have had confirmation hearings. RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard are scheduled to testify next week. Some nominations, such as Christy Noem for Homeland Security, appear poised for easy confirmation. However, the lack of Democratic support for fast-tracking these nominations may force the Senate to work through the weekend.

Senators Brace for Long Hours

The prolonged process has frustrated senators on both sides of the aisle.

“My wife and kids are not happy about that at all, but we have a job to do to deliver the mandate the American people put on President Trump,” said Mullin.

Historical Perspective

History shows varying confirmation timelines for incoming presidents. George W. Bush’s Cabinet was sworn in within 10 days of his inauguration, while President Biden waited over two months to fill his team.

As the Senate prepares for another marathon session, one thing is clear: the battle over confirmations remains a deeply partisan affair.

Nominee: Marco Rubio

Position: Secretary of State

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: 22-0

Confirmation vote: 99-0

Nominee: John Ratcliffe

Position: CIA Director 

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: 14-3

Confirmation vote: 74-25

Nominee: Pete Hegseth

Position: Secretary of Defense 

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: 14-13

Confirmation vote: TBD

Nominee: Robert F Kennedy, Jr

Position: Secretary of Health & Human Services 

Hearing? Scheduled.

Committee vote: TBD

Confirmation vote: TBD

Nominee: Kristi Noem

Position: Secretary of Homeland Security

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: 13-2

Confirmation vote: TBD

Nominee: Tulsi Gabbard

Position: Director of National Intelligence 

Hearing? Scheduled 

Committee vote: TBD

Confirmation vote: TBD

Nominee: Pam Bondi

Position: Attorney General 

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: Scheduled 

Confirmation vote: TBD

Nominee: Doug Burgum

Position: Secretary of Interior 

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: 18-2

Confirmation vote: TBD

Nominee: Scott Bessent

Position: Secretary of Treasury 

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: 16-11

Confirmation vote: TBD

Nominee: Russell Vought

Position: OMN Director 

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: 8-7

Confirmation vote:  TBD

Nominee: Chris Wright 

Position: Energy Secretary 

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: 15-5

Confirmation vote: TBD

Nominee: Sean Duffy

Position: Secretary of Transportation 

Hearing? Yes

Committee vote: 28-0

Confirmation vote: TBD