Senate Republicans just cleared a major roadblock to fast-track nearly 100 of President Donald Trump’s nominees in a bold move that signals their determination to reshape the federal landscape.
On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, GOP senators overcame the initial procedural barrier, setting the stage for a final vote next week on 97 of Trump’s selections, a significant step toward surpassing 400 confirmations in the first year of his second term, as Fox News reports.
This isn’t the first rodeo for Senate Republicans, who’ve been charging ahead with Trump’s picks since tweaking the confirmation rules back in September 2025. Using the so-called "nuclear option," they slashed the filibuster threshold to a simple 50-vote majority for sub-Cabinet posts, effectively sidelining the usual 60-vote hurdle. It’s a pragmatic play to avoid the gridlock that often bogs down Washington.
September’s rule change marked a turning point, and this latest push is the third time Republicans have bundled Trump’s nominees for swift advancement. It’s a strategy that’s paying off, as they’ve already outpaced former President Joe Biden’s tally of 350 confirmations at this stage in his term.
However, the road wasn’t entirely smooth—last week, Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., threw a wrench in the works by objecting to the package, hoping to stall the momentum. His resistance didn’t hold, as Republicans regrouped and pressed forward with this week’s procedural win.
The current batch of nearly 100 nominees includes notable figures like former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., tapped for inspector general at the Department of Labor, alongside James Murphy and Scott Mayer for the National Labor Relations Board. Their inclusion comes on the heels of Trump’s controversial but legally upheld firing of board member Gwynne Wilcox earlier in 2025, as affirmed by the Supreme Court. It’s a clear signal of intent to steer labor policy in a new direction.
Originally, the package contained 87 nominees, but a snag emerged with the inclusion of Sara Carter (legal name Sara Bailey), a former Fox News contributor picked for the Cabinet-level role of director at the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Her spot in the lineup meant the GOP needed 60 votes to break a filibuster—a tall order given near-universal pushback from Senate Democrats who’ve questioned the credentials of several Trump selections.
Ever the tacticians, Republicans adjusted their game plan by expanding the package to nearly 100, adding nine more nominees to keep the momentum rolling. It’s a clever sidestep around the progressive agenda’s obstruction tactics, ensuring the majority of picks can advance without getting mired in endless debate.
Democrats may grumble, but let’s be honest—elections have consequences, and Trump’s mandate to install his team is being executed with precision. The GOP’s focus on sub-Cabinet roles shows a practical understanding that real change often happens below the marquee positions.
Once this group is finalized next week, Trump’s confirmation count will soar past 400 in just his first year back in office. That’s a benchmark that leaves Biden’s record in the dust and underscores a no-nonsense approach to governance over performative delays.
Critics on the left might decry this as a power grab, but it’s hard to argue against efficiency when the American people voted for a decisive shift away from bureaucratic inertia. The GOP is simply delivering on promises made at the ballot box.
While no direct quotes from key players were available to spice up this saga, the actions speak louder than words ever could. The silence from both sides suggests a quiet acknowledgment that this train isn’t stopping anytime soon.
Next week’s final vote will be the true test, as Republicans aim to lock in these 97 confirmations and keep their foot on the gas. It’s a high-stakes moment, but their track record suggests they’ve got the votes to make it happen.
For conservatives tired of seeing Washington bogged down by endless filibusters and woke posturing, this is a refreshing change of pace. It’s about competence over ideology, results over rhetoric.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Senate Republicans are playing chess while their opponents are stuck on checkers, and Trump’s vision for America is taking shape one confirmation at a time. Let’s see if the final vote next week seals the deal or if another curveball awaits.
