Recess Appointments Posed to Become First Test of Republican Unity

President-elect Donald Trump’s calls for the Senate to permit recess appointments are becoming the first test of Republican unity behind his administration. 

President Trump requested Republican Senators consent to extend the Senate’s recess for the President’s cabinet nominees to be automatically approved.

“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,” said Trump.” Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!”

Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune (R-SD) has not explicitly stated his support for recess appointments, but claimed he is considering the option. 

"We must act quickly and decisively to get the president's cabinet and other nominees in place as soon as possible to start delivering on the mandate we've been sent to execute, and all options are on the table...including recess appointments," said Senator Thune.

Conversely, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reportedly stated to Republican Senators that “there will be no recess appointments.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), explained he understood both sides of the debate, but was committed to ensuring Trump’s cabinet nominees are confirmed, thus claiming “there may be a function” for recess appointments. 

If Speaker Johnson adjourns the House, Trump would have the authority to adjourn the Senate, enabling his appointees to be automatically approved. 

The looming procedural battle over Trump’s appointments could become the first governance test for Trump and Thune as well as serve as a gauge for Republican unity. 

Several of Trump’s cabinet selections, such as Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as attorney general, have incited pushback from some Republicans. 

For example, Maine Senator Susan Collins (R), who alleged she would not vote for Trump in the November elections, criticized Representative Gaetz’s selection.

"This shows why the advice and consent process is so important and I'm sure that there will be a lot of questions raised at his hearing," said Senator Collins, adding that she was “shocked” by the choice.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski (R)  also belittled Trump’s choice, alleging Gaetz was not “ a serious nomination for the attorney general.”