Key Takeaways:
– JD Vance was criticized by the Wall Street Journal editorial board for being absent from a key Senate hearing.
– Vance used his upcoming position as Donald Trump’s running mate as an excuse for not attending the hearing.
– The hearing was crucial for the Biden administration to confirm judicial nominations before Republicans take control of the Senate.
– Several other Republican Senators also missed the hearing but were called out by the Wall Street Journal editorial board.
– The Journal urged Donald Trump to instruct his running mate to attend such key votes.
In yet another news episode from Capitol Hill, Vice President-Elect JD Vance faced sharp criticism. The source of his rebuke is none other than the conservative-leaning Wall Street Journal editorial board. The bone of contention is Vance’s absence from a critical Senate hearing, which he attributes to his duties as Trump’s incoming second-in-command. The Journal isn’t buying it though.
JD Vance Joins Other Absent Senators
Vance’s no-show at the Senate hearing involved the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominations. Success in this endeavor would enable Democrats to usher in as many appointees as possible before the Senate sees a power shift, welcoming a Republican majority to the fold.
The Ohio Senator was not alone in his absence. It appears he joined the ranks of Senators Mike Braun from Indiana, Steve Daines from Montana, Bill Hagerty from Tennessee, and Marco Rubio from Florida. These officials found other engagements more pressing than the hearing. But their reasoning did not pass muster with the Journal’s editors.
Vance’s Social Media Explanation
In an attempt to justify his absence, Vance took to social media to give an explanation. He spoke of meeting with President Trump to discuss potential governmental appointees, including the all-important FBI Director. In his defense, Vance suggested that choosing an FBI Director capable of dismantling the perceived ‘deep state’ was more pivotal than ensuring Republicans lose a close vote, 49-46 instead of 49-45.
The Journal’s Response
The response from the Journal’s editorial board was swift and unforgiving. They pointed out that his new role as VP doesn’t start until the New Year, which is a good two months away. This time lapse, they argue, should not serve as an excuse for him to shirk his voting duties as a senator.
Therefore, they emphasized, it was all the more critical for Vance and other senators to fulfill their current commitments. Any empty seats resulting from their absence decreases the opportunity for the Republicans to nominate someone in the future.
Urge to Trump
The editorial further called on President Trump to animate his running mate to perform his existing duties. Trump himself had voiced similar sentiments. He tweeted on Tuesday, calling on Republican Senators to ‘Show Up and Hold the Line.’ Now, it seems, the Journal is urging him to practice what he preaches and ensure VP-elect Vance does the same.
Final Thoughts
The Journal is unequivocal in its stance. It regards these senatorial absences as ‘an insult to voters and taxpayers’, the people who foot the bill for the Senators’ salaries. While it acknowledges that maintaining a flawless attendance record may not be achievable for all Senators, it asserts that there is absolutely no reason to skip close votes on judges. To them, such avoidable no-shows effectively squander seats that conservatives could potentially hold onto for years, and in some cases, even decades.
In short, as Republican senators prepare for a significant future role in governing the country, the Wall Street Journal calls for them to remember their existing commitments. With vacant seats representing lost opportunities, always showing up, they argue, can make all the difference.