In the wake of the New Year's attack in New Orleans that killed 15 people, Republicans want to see President-elect Donald Trump's national security nominees confirmed quickly.
"The U.S. Senate must confirm President Trump's national security team as soon as possible. Lives depend on it," Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wy., posted on X.
Incoming Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., posted on X: "Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the senseless terror attack in New Orleans.
"With reports of ISIS inspiration, the American people expect clear answers from the administration. The threat posed by ISIS will outlast this administration, and this is a clear example of why the Senate must get President Trump's national security team in place as quickly as possible."
Senate leaders told Punchbowl News they will prioritize Trump's national security nominees on the Senate floor beginning Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.
Republicans hope the attack will limit potential drama from some of his more divisive Cabinet picks like Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, Kash Patel for FBI director, and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, Punchbowl reported.
Hegseth and Gabbard's hearings are scheduled for the week of Jan. 14, while Patel's may not happen until February, Punchbowl said. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Trump's nominee for secretary of state, is expected to breeze through confirmation with bipartisan support.
Gabbard is meeting with Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee Monday, Punchbowl reported, having previously met with Democrat Sens. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. She has already met with most Republican senators and all but one GOP senator on the intelligence committee.
Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told Punchbowl he expects some Cabinet nominees to get Democrat support.
"There will be some who we oppose," Schumer said. "You have to wait for the full FBI report to come out, I think, before you can say which ones."
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.
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