On Appointments, the Senate Needs Cojones
Reject Kennedy, Hegseth and Gabbard
On Appointments, the Senate GOP Needs Cojones
Proud, pompous, powerful describe the United States Senate in modern times. Often, it can make or break a President's agenda, as the founding framers designed.
Donald Trump instead wants to break the Senate, make a mockery of its "Advice and Consent" constitutional responsibility, turning it into a rubber stamp for the White House.
There are two early critical tests. The President-elect intends to nominate three demonstrably unqualified, even dangerous, cabinet choices. In order to get these and any future misfits through, he demands he be allowed to make appointments when the Senate is in recess.
If the Senate acquiesces, so much for separation of powers. Trump already owns House Speaker Mike Johnson; if the Louisiana lightweight were to seriously offend the White House, nine House members could call for vacating the Speaker's chair as happened to Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the current Congress.