Senate Republicans
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., center, speaks during a news conference after a policy luncheon at the CapitolTuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Washington.
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Republicans are taking the first steps to change the rules of the Senate to confirm more of President Donald Trump’s nominees. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has set up votes for Thursday that would allow large numbers of nominees to be confirmed at the same time. It's just the latest move to change Senate rules after a dozen years of gradual changes by both parties to weaken the filibuster and make the nominations process more partisan. Thune has said the Democrats’ obstruction is “unsustainable” as they have drawn out the confirmation process and infuriated Trump as many positions in his administration remain unfilled.