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Ornstein Slams Senate's 'Nuclear Option' for 107 Nominees

10/8/2025

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Norman Ornstein condemned Senate Republicans’ confirmation of 107 nominees as appalling.
He called it unprecedented and indicative of a party in decline.
He cited minimal vetting, including Herschel Walker to the Bahamas and Sergio Gor to India.
The vote used the 'nuclear option' to bypass the 60-vote threshold.
Greene noted the inconsistency, while Trump has nearly 300 confirmed civilian nominees.

History

Historical Context

In 2013, Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Harry Reid, invoked the 'nuclear option' to lower the confirmation threshold for judicial nominees from 60 votes to a simple majority, addressing Republican obstructionism. This shift, which allowed the confirmation of 268 nominees, has intensified partisanship and altered the Senate's confirmation process, as highlighted by Norman Ornstein's recent criticism of the confirmation of 107 nominees.

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Story summary

Norman Ornstein condemned Senate Republicans’ confirmation of 107 nominees as appalling.
He called it unprecedented and indicative of a party in decline.
He cited minimal vetting, including Herschel Walker to the Bahamas and Sergio Gor to India.
The vote used the 'nuclear option' to bypass the 60-vote threshold.
Greene noted the inconsistency, while Trump has nearly 300 confirmed civilian nominees.

1 / 2