Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet took to the Senate floor to block Republicans’ improper attempt to push through a slate of 88 Trump nominations.
Bennet: Thank you, Mr. President. The precedent of September 11, 2025, that established a majority vote – threshold vote – for cloture on an executive resolution that provided for the en bloc consideration of nominations, excluded nominations at level one of the executive schedule under 5 USC 5312, or Article 3 judges. Is that correct, Mr. President?
Senate President: That is correct.
Senate President: That is correct.
Bennet: Mr. President, I’m sorry to say this slate of nominations in S.Res.520 includes Calendar No. 476, Sarah Bailey of Texas, to be Director of National Drug Control Policy. That position is among those listed in 5 USC 5312. Therefore the threshold for cloture on this vote would be three fifths of those duly chosen and sworn. Is that correct, Mr. President?
Bennet: I object.
Earlier this year, Republicans exercised the nuclear option to allow for the Senate to pass nominations en bloc. Today, Republicans attempted to approve 88 nominations – including the nomination of Sarah Bailey for Director of National Drug Control Policy, a position that is not eligible for inclusion in this package under the new Senate rules. Following Bennet’s opposition, Republicans pulled their nomination package and will have to refile without Bailey’s nomination.