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Schumer is calling for FBI background checks and Senate review of Trump’s nominees. He stated in a letter that Democrats are willing to collaborate with Republicans in the consideration process, but believes that nominees should go through the usual vetting process in the Senate.
Written by Carl Hulse
Writing from the nation
The leading Democrat in the Senate expressed willingness to work with Republicans in reviewing President-elect Donald J. Trump’s cabinet and other high-level appointments next year. They also urged the GOP to follow the usual Senate vetting procedures that Mr. Trump has indicated he may disregard.
Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York and current Senate leader, wrote a letter to Senator John Thune, a South Dakota Republican who is set to become majority leader in January. In the letter, Schumer expressed readiness to collaborate with Senate Republicans in reviewing nominations, some of which have been controversial. The most recent nomination causing uproar was the announcement on Saturday by President Trump that he planned to appoint Kash Patel, known for his loyalty and right-wing views, as director of the F.B.I.
Specifically, Mr. Schumer expressed to Mr. Thune a commitment to collaborating across party lines to evaluate each nominee by examining typical FBI background investigation documents, organizing hearings and evaluations in the relevant committees, and deliberating on nominees in the Senate.
Mr. Trump has mentioned the possibility of bypassing the Senate and appointing his nominees during breaks in order to avoid opposition from Democrats. His advisors have also proposed skipping F.B.I. background checks for his nominees and instead using private security firms for vetting, an idea that has gained support from some Senate Republicans.
Some Republicans and Democrats are against both ideas because they believe it goes against the Senate’s responsibility of advising and consenting on nominees. They are concerned that these changes could damage the Senate as an institution and limit its ability to oversee federal agencies.
Mr. Schumer wrote a letter encouraging Republicans to prevent that from occurring.
According to Mr. Schumer, the Senate is important in our system of checks and balances because it ensures that the president appoints competent public officials who will serve the American people and uphold the Constitution. Regardless of political party, the Senate has consistently fulfilled this important responsibility over the years and it is crucial that they continue to do so without hesitation.
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