Sen. Brian Schatz (C/G-HI) threatens to place a “blanket hold” on all of President Trump’s State Department nominees until the administration’s attack on the leading U.S. foreign-assistance agency ends, a move that may place a minor speed bump between President Trump and getting his foreign-policy team in place.
The Senate typically speeds up the confirmation of many nominees through “unanimous consent,” a process that bypasses a formal vote if no senator objects. By objecting, Schatz’s hold would halt the Senate’s ability to move nominees quickly, requiring Senate Majority Leader John Thune to use precious floor time to advance the president’s picks through the confirmation process.
Sen. Schatz told The Wall Street Journal:
I will…
