Neutered Dems are all bark, no bite on Trump’s nominees

Published December 1, 2016 5:01am ET



Senate Democrats are as furious with President-elect Trump’s Cabinet picks as they are powerless to stop them.

Thanks to a change to Senate rules that Democrats forced on Republicans in 2013, it only takes 51 votes to confirm a nominee, except for Supreme Court nominees, which will still require 60 votes. Republicans will have 51 or 52 seats in the Senate next year, which means the GOP can approve anyone they want to Trump’s team as long as they all agree.

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