Democrats in the U.S. Senate are obstructing the confirmation of Brian Burch, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to the Holy See, just days before Pope Leo XVI’s installation. This delay hinders the U.S. from establishing formal diplomatic relations with the Vatican during a significant moment in global religious leadership.
Ambassadorial confirmations typically proceed swiftly, with nominees approved in groups to fill the 194 diplomatic posts efficiently. However, recent weeks have seen an unusual number of “cloture votes,” procedural steps requiring a supermajority to advance nominations. A senior White House official stated, “Democrats have thrown up an unprecedented level of obstruction for nominees that are usually allowed to compress their time,” highlighting the partisan gridlock affecting even noncontroversial appointments.
Brian Burch, co-founder and president of CatholicVote, is recognized for his commitment to traditional Catholic teachings on life, gender, and marriage. His nomination, advanced by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, awaits full Senate confirmation. The delay is particularly impactful given the recent passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XVI.
Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri criticized the blockade on the Senate floor, stating, “I never thought I’d see a day that resistance would mean holding up the ambassador to the Holy See, to be there for the installation of the pope, but here is where we are, total brokenness from the other side.” His remarks aimed to expose what he described as the Democrats’ “extraordinarily obstructionist and radical approach” to the confirmation process.
