The mounting confirmation — and likely contentious — hearings have Senate Republicans growing impatient and weary of President Donald Trump's chaotic Cabinet shuffle, Politico reports.
Trump's rash of ousters in year two of his presidency is not something senators bargained for, especially in an election year and with a backlog of confirmations from year one, Politico reports.
And with the embattled Scott Pruitt hanging on by a thread at the EPA, more may be coming.
"I think a lot of us would appreciate the stability of being able to continue to work with individuals [in the Cabinet] who have been here awhile," Republican Sen. Mike Rounds told Politico.
Further, Trump is running into resistance from his own party his nominations. Sen. Rand Paul has already vowed opposition to Mike Pompeo for secretary of state and Gina Haspel to replace him at CIA. Also, Dr. Ronny Jackson is not looking good to take over for David Shulkin at the VA.
"I could see a case where he’s not supported just as a proxy on the way Trump is so out of control with all that he’s doing with nominees," a Republican senator told Politico. "It doesn't appear he’s got the most basic qualifications for the job. So I could see him not being confirmed."
Republicans' one-seat majority — negated by the health-related absence of Sen. John McCain — could also force them to change Senate rules to jam through the confirmations, setting a precedent they'd rather not.
"I don’t think in this environment there’s any easy nomination," a senior White House official told Politico.
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