Bismarck, N.D. – North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer is addressing the issue of approving all of President Trump’s remaining civilian nominees who have yet to be confirmed.
On social media, Trump recently called on Republicans to move quicker on sending through his nominees for various positions including judges, ambassadors and other roles within the federal government.
“It’s a bit of a chicken game [with Democrats] and we’ll see how it works out but I’m ready to be there,” Cramer told The Flag on Friday.
During the first six month of Trump’s second term, Cramer notes that the Senate has so far confirmed “twice as many as were confirmed in his first term.”
Listen: Senator Kevin Cramer On The Flag
Cramer then pointed out what the GOP believes is a stalling tactic being implemented by Democrats to require the full two-hour Senate debate for each and every nominee.
“The problem is when you do that, you take floor time,” said Cramer. “In the Senate [it’s] the most valuable asset because we don’t do multiple legislative things at a time.”
Cramer, who believes the chamber can race through hundreds of nominees, says most “are not controversial and they’re not the highest level.”
But Cramer says it’ll require all 50 GOP members to be present if a quorum is called by Democrats before moving to a full vote.
“You better deliver fifty people because they [Democrats] won’t,” said Cramer. “They’ll sit it out and see whether we can do that.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has indicated he also wants to move fast to avoid keep lawmakers in D.C, through the August recess.
