Key Takeaways:
• GOP Senators Bill Cassidy and Susan Collins expressed concerns over Trump’s nominees but ended up confirming them.
• Cassidy, uneasy around Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s stance on vaccines, approved his nomination for Health Secretary.
• Despite highlighting ‘obvious issues’ with Tulsi Gabbard, Collins backed her for the post of director of national intelligence.
• The senators looked past their concerns under pressure from the White House and its allies.
• Despite having the power to oppose Trump’s nominations, the GOP majority in Senate remained silent.
Senators Show Initial Skepticism
It’s a common story: someone voicing worries only to ignore them when it comes time to make important decisions. Today we’re talking about GOP senators like Bill Cassidy from Louisiana and Susan Collins of Maine, who did exactly that. Publically, they showed concerns over the people that former President Donald Trump chose for his cabinet. Their ‘worries,’ in the end, didn’t impact their vote. It turned out to be a case of all talk, no action, regarding Trump’s nominees.
Concerns Regarding Nominees
Here’s what happened in more detail. Cassidy, a senator and medical doctor, initially expressed discomfort over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s record on vaccines. Collins took issue with Tulsi Gabbard, suggesting that she had ‘obvious issues.’ But when it was time to put these concerns into action, both Cassidy and Collins backed down.
Votes Unaffected by Initial Fears
When it was time to show their cards, both senators confirmed the nominees. Cassidy, along with his fellow Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee, approved Kennedy’s nomination for Health Secretary. Collins, too, put her worries aside and joined Republicans on the Intelligence Committee to back Gabbard for director of national intelligence.
The Wider Implication
What does this mean for us? These senators, known for their independent stance, overlooked their constitutional responsibility to ‘advise and consent.’ Instead, they yielded to the pressure – a remnant of today’s Republican Party that bore the threat of literal violence against those who opposed Trump.
The Topic of Majority’s Power
Currently, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. If any four of them decided to oppose a nomination, it could force the selection of a more qualified candidate. But instead, senators caved in to harassment and threats, maintaining unity in their decision.
In the End, Only ‘Concern’
At the end of the day, the initial ‘concern’ that both senators raised amounted to exactly nothing. And we have to remember this when the nominees these senators rubber-stamped end up damaging public interest. Because they will, it’s inevitable. And when that happens, let’s not forget who provided them with the critical backing they required to get confirmed.
In Conclusion
It can be disheartening when those we look to for leadership disregard their own doubts over a matter as important as cabinet nominees. But despite the failings of these senators, it’s essential to stay informed and remember their actions when it’s our turn to cast a vote. It’s our power to put those in office who genuinely share our concerns and are willing to act on them.