MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Wednesday the Senate has overcome what he called a “historic blockade” by Democrats to confirm hundreds of President Donald Trump’s civilian nominees during the first year of Trump’s second term. Thune’s remarks were delivered on the Senate floor and released by his office. A video of his comments is available here.
Thune said the Senate has confirmed 314 nominees so far, and an additional package of nominations filed earlier this week is expected to bring the total to more than 400 confirmations. Thune compared the pace to previous administrations, noting that the current total exceeds confirmation numbers at this point in President Trump’s first term and President Biden’s term.
Thune criticized Democrats for what he described as “unprecedented obstruction,” saying that for the first time in decades, not a single nominee this year was confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote. He contrasted that with historical practices in which the Senate expedited most noncontroversial nominations.
Thune cited past confirmation trends under Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, each of whom saw 90% or more of their nominees confirmed through expedited procedures. He argued that the slowdown in 2025 reflects what he called “petty partisanship.”
Despite the delays, Thune said Republicans proceeded with votes and took steps in September to restore Senate precedent by codifying procedures meant to ensure future presidents’ nominees receive timely consideration.
“2025 has been a long road,” Thune said. “But … we are well on our way to confirming more than 400 of the president’s civilian nominees.” He added that he expects the Senate to continue confirming additional nominees when it reconvenes in January.