Columbia News

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) criticized Senate Democrats and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for what he described as unprecedented obstruction of President Donald Trump’s nominees. In a speech delivered on the Senate floor, Schmitt expressed support for Majority Leader Thune’s proposed rule change to allow votes on blocks of nominees at once, aiming to expedite the confirmation process.

Schmitt referenced Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the Constitution, which requires Senate advice and consent for federal officers. He argued that Democrats have neglected their responsibility to provide advice and negotiate in good faith with Republicans and the Trump administration.

“The Great Arsonist of the Senate would rather burn the whole house down than work for the American people,” Schmitt said during his remarks.

Schmitt cited historical data comparing current nominee confirmations to previous administrations. He stated that President Trump is on pace to have just 426 nominees confirmed by the end of this Congress, significantly fewer than previous presidents. “By the end of his term, we’re projecting a mere 872 confirmations—the first time any President has fallen below 1,000, compared to Biden’s 1,175, President Trump’s first term’s 1,233, or Obama’s staggering 1,489,” he noted.

He also pointed out that Democrats have required cloture—a procedural step used to overcome filibusters—at a much higher rate during Trump’s second term than in prior years: “Democrats have required cloture 360% more in President Trump’s second term’s first 200 days than in his first—137 nominees subjected to it, nearly double Biden’s 71 and far beyond Obama’s paltry 9.”

Schmitt said that traditionally over half of presidential nominees were confirmed by voice vote or unanimous consent until this year when none were confirmed through these methods under President Trump. He compared this with former presidents: “Under Obama, in his first 200 days, 292 nominees passed by voice vote alone; President Trump has just 135 confirmed, all via grueling roll calls.”

He added that delays have increased: “The average time from nomination to confirmation? A glacial 94 days for President Trump now—nearly double his first term’s 54…”

According to Schmitt's remarks and data presented on session days and roll call votes in modern history—including record numbers—there remains a significant backlog with hundreds of nominations still pending.

“This obstruction is antithetical to our Constitution… undermining our national security, economic vitality…” Schmitt stated.

Schmitt further accused Democratic leadership of deliberately slowing down confirmations since early in the century: “After the 2000 elections, Democrats met at a private retreat to strategize how to maximally obstruct the Republicans.” He attributed recent changes such as filibustering executive calendar nominations and ending traditional voice voting procedures directly to actions taken by Democratic leaders.

To address these issues moving forward, Schmitt advocated adopting reforms previously supported by Democrats themselves: “Streamline the process by voting on blocks of nominees at the same time.” Quoting past statements from Democratic senators about improving efficiency and filling vital positions more quickly he added: “‘This commonsense reform will help improve efficiency and make sure we’re able to fill positions that are vital to our national security…’”

In closing his remarks supporting Majority Leader Thune's initiative he said: “We needed a rule change… I applaud the Majority Leader’s backing of President Trump’s Agenda…”