Key Takeaways:
– Donald Trump is criticized for attempting to push the senate into adjournment, eluding any review of his appointed nominees.
– Trump’s plan to bypass FBI background checks on nominees is in question.
– Noah Bookbinder and Gregg Nunziata, both former Senate Judiciary Committee advisors, heavily disapprove this move.
– The current nominating process could potentially violate the Presidential Transition Act.
– The Senate is urged not to accept this deviation from standard procedure.
Trump’s Push for Adjournment: An Unorthodox Step
In an unprecedented move, Donald Trump is making an attempt to hustle the Senate into temporary recess. His goal? To appoint his desired nominees without the presence of an external audit or balance. This drawdown, however, isn’t sitting well with everyone.
A Chorus of Disapproval: Bipartisan Condemnation
This intense push to adjourn has pulled in heavy criticism from both sides of the aisle, with key players voicing their dismay. Two notable critics were Noah Bookbinder and Gregg Nunziata, former advisors to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Both have shown fierce objection to this unpredictable tactic.
Issues with FBI Background Reviews: A Risky Gamble
Adding fuel to the fire is the Trump administration’s proposal to bypass FBI background checks for new nominees. This plan could be implemented retroactively upon the appointment of a new FBI director. The current FBI director, appointed by Trump, is Christopher Wray. This strategy of skipping critical checks might just go against the Presidential Transition Act.
Historical Perspective: Established Norms vs New Approaches
Bookbinder and Nunziata remind us of the Senate’s historical practices. They stated that it was the norm for a nominee’s FBI background check to be reviewed and approved before it was scheduled for consideration in the committee. The reason is quite clear: these nominees are slated for high-stakes roles that bear national significance.
These positions generally deal with decisions impacting national security and the everyday American. Areas under their influence range from criminal charges, civil rights, prison sentences to environmental laws.
Keeping Faith with Fair Processes: A Call to the Senate
The advisors believe that the Senate must hold its ground against such strong-arm tactics. Even considering the partisan quarrels that characterize Judiciary Committee confirmations, certain principles should remain sacrosanct. The background investigation of a nominee is one such principle that mustn’t be bypassed, regardless of the circumstances.
Even amidst these political storms, no nominee has been allowed to proceed to a committee hearing or vote without a detailed review. The advisors emphasize that Trump’s nominees should be subjected to the same rigorous checks.
Trump’s Plan: Is it Doomed Already?
Some political spectators believe that Trump’s plan could already be unravelling. The recent withdrawal of former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s nomination for Attorney General indicates that the Senate might not be willing to adjourn for controversial nominees lacking the requisite votes.
The former advisors imprint their belief that in the interest of national security and the lives of Americans, fair processes and the rule of law must stand strong. The Senate thus plays a key role in ensuring that no nominee progresses without undergoing these vital checks.
While the dust may be far from settled on these developments, one thing remains certain: the spirit of accountability and fair procedure must prevail, no matter the political climate.