Politics

Democrats To Trump: Only Two Cabinet Members For Your First Day, Mr. President

REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Kerry Picket Political Reporter
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President Donald Trump’s first day as president may begin with the confirmation of just two cabinet members, unlike the seven his predecessor had in 2009.

Senate Democrats agreed to hold confirmation votes for only two Trump Cabinet nominees Friday, according to The Washington Post. Only Gen. James Mattis, Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Defense, and Gen. John F. Kelly, his pick for the Department of Homeland Security will be voted on by the full Senate.

This set up starkly contrasts the seven cabinet nominees who were confirmed hours after former President Obama’s inauguration in 2009.

Although both Mattis and Kelly are expected to receive bipartisan support, Democrats appear to be holding back their support of practically all other Trump nominees and threatening to slow walk by parliamentary procedures the confirmation process of at least eight nominees.

“If there was ever a group of Cabinet nominees that cry out for rigorous scrutiny, it’s this one,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Thursday.

According to The Post, Democrats want to begin debate Monday on the nomination of Kansas Republican Rep. Mike Pompeo, whom Trump chose to head up the CIA after both generals are confirmed. However, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn told reporters that the Senate could stay in session late Friday and later into the weekend to force more confirmation votes.

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