Senators Seek to Unclog Confirmations

[babylonsister]

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/04/25/senators_seek_to_unclog_confirmations.html

Senators Seek to Unclog Confirmations

"Hoping to unclog the Senate and spare scores of presidential appointees from what is often a grueling confirmation process, leading lawmakers in both parties are moving to cut the number of administration posts that are subject to Senate approval," the New York Times reports.

"The proposal to end Senate review of about 200 executive branch positions would be the most serious effort in recent years to pare the chamber's constitutional power of advice and consent. It amounts to a rare voluntary surrender of Congressional clout, and it has high-caliber, bipartisan support with the endorsement of the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, and the Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky."

[drm604]

1. This makes me uncomfortable.

Sure, it could help with a Democratic President, but what happens if we someday have some crazy teabagger in the office?

[Proud Liberal Dem]

2. Agreed

The Senate should do its job and review and approve nominees like it's normally supposed to. Of course, that only works when you have people in the Senate whom actually believe in doing their jobs and in good (well-functioning) government- not the schizophrenic mess it's become. :banghead:

[drm604]

3. I do think it might be good to streamline the process in some ways if possible.

For example, they could make it more difficult for one or a handful of Senators to block the nomination process.

But there still should be a reasonable amount of debate and a vote.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

4. Right

I think a reasonable amount of debate and an up-or-down vote should pretty much always happen on nominations and on legislation. It shouldn't be as easy as it apparently is for one or a handful of Senators to completely gum up the works like it has been, however.

[LiberalFighter]

5. Maybe different levels. One for top level appointments and one for below that.