Senate Leadership

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2024

… what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Additionally, no Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!

Elon Musk

Without recess appointments, it will take two years or more to confirm the new administration!

This would make it impossible to enact the change demanded by the American people, which is utterly unacceptable.

Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader! https://t.co/lpT34yHTKk

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 10, 2024

We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s nominees in place as soon as possible, & all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems block the will of the American people.https://t.co/h6gDmjhbqn

— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 10, 2024

It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President @realDonaldTrump ‘s cabinet appointments. If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent. Additionally, the Constitution expressly confers the power on the President to make recess appointments.…

— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) November 10, 2024

Article II, Section 2, Clause 3:

"The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session."

This is (1) useful, and (2) a FORCING FUNCTION

2/

— joshua steinman (🇺🇸,🇺🇸) (@JoshuaSteinman) November 10, 2024

In recent times, however, Senate leadership has PREVENTED the use of recess appointments by using "pro forma sessions."

While everybody is out of town, one Senator stays behind, and gavels a brief "session," thus blocking this presidential power.

CRAZY.

3/

— joshua steinman (🇺🇸,🇺🇸) (@JoshuaSteinman) November 10, 2024

This led to SIGNIFICANT delays in filling key executive branch positions.

During the first Trump Administration, we had some roles vacant for YEARS.

All because Senator McConnell didn't want to give him the ability to use the recess appointment power OF THE CONSTITUTION.

4/

— joshua steinman (🇺🇸,🇺🇸) (@JoshuaSteinman) November 10, 2024