Democratic Senator to Block Trump’s Nominees

“Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) said he would place a ‘blanket hold’ on all of President Trump’s State Department nominees until his administration’s attack on the leading foreign-assistance agency ends, a move that threatens to stall Trump’s ability to get his foreign-policy team in place,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

“Schatz said he would block any of Trump’s diplomatic confirmations until USAID again is allowed to operate normally and the administration ceases its ‘authoritarian behavior.’ Such a hold would halt the Senate’s ability to move bills quickly, and require Senate Majority Leader John Thune to use precious floor time to advance the president’s nominees through the confirmation process.”

Said Schatz: “I will oppose unanimous consent. I will vote no. I will do maximal delays until this is resolved.”