New Dems Introduce Efficient Nominations Act
Today New Dem Reps. Scott Peters (CA-52) and Jared Polis (CO-02) introduced the Efficient Nominations Act, co-sponsored by six other New Dems. This bill will ensure presidential nominations are heard within a reasonable amount of time, preventing excessive delays and vacancies in executive departments of the federal government which prevent agencies from carrying out the work they need to do.
In recent years, the Senate has taken longer and longer to act on nominees, both for high profile cabinet-level positions and for many positions such as circuit court appointees. This bill would give the Senate a maximum of 150 days to consider and vote on nominees. While most nominees are confirmed in a shorter period of time, this bill would provide a safeguard to ensure nominees move through the Senate more efficiently. The bill would not require Senators to vote a particular way or automatically confirm nominees, merely require that the Senate fulfill one of its basic constitutional duties.
“The Senate’s refusal to even consider Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland is just the latest example of a broken Congress that isn’t working for the American people. From the Supreme Court to board members of the Export-Import Bank, too often essential positions remain vacant for months or years at a time because of politics. This commonsense proposal simply requires the Senate take a vote on nominees within a reasonable amount of time – to do their jobs,” said Congressman Peters.
“Before Congress adjourns until September, we need to get our work done and fill the vacancy in the Supreme Court, as well as the vacancies in other Federal courts and agencies. The American people didn’t elect us to play political games. They elected us to do a job. It’s time for the Republican Majority to at least give a fair hearing to prospective candidates. We’ve been plagued by inaction for far too long,” said Congressman Polis.
The New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country.
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