U.S. Senate Republicans cite "nuclear option" and Trump Cabinet nominee confirms entry into the fast lane

Golden Finance reported that after negotiations with Democrats broke down, Senate Republicans cited so-called "nuclear options" to quickly confirm the Trump administration's second cabinet nominee. Republican senators voted 53 to 45 on Thursday to pass a new Senate rule that allows collective confirmation of nominees in certain executive departments, which they say is a necessary measure to combat Democratic obstruction. Senate Majority Leader John Thun set a new precedent when using a legislative process that allows a simple majority to veto the Senate’s rules. Republicans have a majority in the Senate by 53 to 47. Thun is currently pushing for the nominations of 48 civilian personnel at the same time, most of whom are the positions of deputy secretary of state, assistant secretary of state or ambassador abroad.