Republicans Change Confirmation Rules To Overcome Democrat Boycott

[Banjo]

Senate Democrats announced they would boycottthe votes of Steven Mnuchin and Tim Price, effectively blocking the confirmation process which requires the presence of at least one Democrat. However, on Wednesday, Senate Republicans found a loophole to push through Trump’s two Cabinet nominees Wednesday, by upending standard committee rules to circumvent a Democratic boycott.
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-...the+survival+rate+for+everyone+drops+to+zero)

 

[Good1]

What Schumer is doing is stupid because the Republicans have SIX WAYS TO SUNDAY to get things done.

 

[fhl]

Democrats getting ready for confirmation hearings.

 

[Cuddles]

Obama could've confirmed Garland during the recess..he didn't

true story

 

[Tom B]

Obama could've confirmed Garland during the recess..he didn't

true story

The senate was not in recess during Garland's nomination.

 

[Cuddles]

The senate was not in recess during Garland's nomination.

intersession; seems like it would've been deemed unconstitutional (though w/a tied SCOTUS who knows). Teddy apparently got away with it.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...appoint-merrick-garland-to-the-supreme-court/

 

[piezoe]

Obama could've confirmed Garland during the recess..he didn't

true story

Not really. Not as long the Republicans controlled the Senate agenda. See this recent court case: http://www.scotusblog.com/2014/06/court-strikes-down-recess-appointments-in-plain-english/ (It is necessary to read the entire case review.)

The President knew of this Court ruling of course since it involved two of his previous recess appointments. That is why he did not make a Garland recess appointment. He couldn't make an intra-session recess appointment (too short according to the SCOTUS). And he couldn't make an inter-session recess appointment as long as the Republicans controlled the Senate because of pro forma Senate sessions. (Also according to the SCOTUS.)