Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) criticized Senate Democrats on Wednesday for delaying the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominees. Speaking on the Senate floor, Barrasso emphasized the urgency of confirming key officials, citing national security and public expectations for bipartisan cooperation.
Barrasso assured the 47th president that the Senate would remain focused on confirming his nominees. Despite bipartisan praise for many of Trump’s selections, Democrats have resisted moving forward. The confirmation of John Ratcliffe as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency has faced last-minute obstruction, despite strong bipartisan support. Ratcliffe’s nomination passed the Senate Intelligence Committee with a 14-3 vote, but Democrats stalled the process, drawing Barrasso’s rebuke. He stressed that global dangers necessitate swift action, calling delays “shameful.”
Barrasso highlighted additional Trump nominees receiving bipartisan backing. Kristi Noem, nominated for Secretary of Homeland Security, garnered significant Senate support with a 13-2 committee vote. Other nominees, such as Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary and Sean Duffy for Secretary of Transportation, received praise from Democratic senators. Senators Tammy Baldwin, John Hickenlooper, Mark Kelly, and Martin Heinrich have endorsed Trump’s nominees publicly, recognizing their qualifications.
Citing a Fox News poll, Barrasso noted that 78% of Americans believe Democrats should collaborate with President Trump. He urged Democrats to prioritize governance over obstruction, pointing to the Senate’s constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent. Barrasso concluded his remarks by promising to keep the Senate in session until Trump’s nominees receive votes, declaring that Americans expect results, not resistance.