(Washington Insider Magazine) -Current US selection processes to various authorities and entities around the world are currently in process of being slowed or halted by key Republican representatives. The currently-sitting President has been working to nominate additional appointees for ambassador selection without much success as we prepare to close out the end of 2021.
Due to the severity of the backlog for ambassador nominees, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is working to encourage lawmakers in a way that will speak to them most effectively: their vacation time. Currently, Mr. Schumer has advised that if no progress has been made to alleviate the backlog, White House lawmakers will need to work throughout the holiday season to get the appointment process started.
This decision and pressure are made in the wake of the realization that President Biden’s presidency will end its first year with some of the most vacancies seen out of any presidential Administration in American history. With his current approval rating significantly lower than his predecessors, Democrats and other White House officials are working to make significant changes before the end of the year.
These appointments are especially important, as they set the tone for the Nation’s presentation and execution of foreign policy. The absence felt in these key roles could leave the US open to significant vulnerabilities.
The current conversations on the Hill are surrounding the impact that these vacancies have had on US interests, such as international trade. Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Deputy Secretary, has openly voiced her concern and frustration that the Senate has still not had the opportunity to confirm any of these appointees to their appropriate positions and vacancies.
These holds from the Republican side are not unfounded, as (most notably) Senator Cruz has pointed out the slew of procedural errors and footholds that the Biden Administration continues to run up against. Pointing back to the legislation, the senators have reached a stalemate when it comes to appointing the current nominees to positions.
Senator Lindsay Graham, among others, are growing increasingly frustrated and concerned due to the significant vulnerability that the US is welcoming by delaying the position appointments. While many news sources are pointing to the obvious procedural delays that keep coming into play from the Republican senators, it is important to note that President Biden has made no efforts to keep appointments impartial.
The President has notably been inflexible or attempted to compromise on his appointments, causing Republicans to be even more adamantly opposed to progressing or compromising on any procedural avenue.
While consternation grows in Washington, the world wages on and is making significant development and changes that the US may be missing.
Throughout the process, Republicans work to create compromises that would further open discussion on international issues and topics, such as the Nord 2 project overseas. If these topics were discussed, additional appointments may be confirmed and executed to fill the roles in a timely way.
The Senate will likely continue to confirm these roles as we welcome 2022.
