Senate Majority Leader John Thune has announced plans to swiftly move forward with floor votes to confirm President Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees. Thune expressed his eagerness to confirm Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Trump's pick for CIA director this week, with a potential vote on Rubio's confirmation as soon as this evening.
Thune emphasized the Senate's commitment to expediting the confirmation process in order to ensure that President Trump has his desired team in place to effectively govern. He highlighted his anticipation to vote on confirming Rubio and former congressman John Ratcliffe as the CIA director, noting that both individuals are poised to enhance American strength.
In the interim, the Trump administration has appointed Tom Sylvester, the agency's former deputy director of operations, as the acting CIA director until Ratcliffe secures confirmation for the position, as per the White House's official announcement.
Reports indicate that House and Senate Republican leaders are scheduled to convene with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday to further discuss the confirmation proceedings. Thune hinted at ongoing deliberations regarding the confirmation timeline for various Cabinet nominees, although it is widely anticipated that Rubio will be among those confirmed tonight.
