Sen. James Lankford said Thursday that his proposal to limit debate hours for Senate confirmations is gaining support among his colleagues, but that if it doesn’t work the “nuclear option” will likely be used to make the change.
“If we can’t get it changed in the right way, then yes we will,” said Mr. Lankford, Oklahoma Republican, on “The Hugh Hewitt Show.”
He said the current debate time takes too long to get a nominee through the confirmation process. He said limiting those hours for lower-level nominees would help streamline the process and fill more positions in a timely manner.
“These are folks that have already gone through committee, already been approved,” Mr. Lankford said.
The proposal would limit debate for district judges to two hours while most other nominees would have an eight-hour limit.
The “nuclear option” would allow the Senate to change the rules without passing Mr. Lankford’s measure, but it is not seen as a tactic many Republicans want to use. He said he’s trying to get the votes needed to pass his proposal and avoid using that power.
“So far, it has not gained Democratic support,” Mr. Lankford said, but he said many of his colleagues on the other side of the aisle are discussing the measure.
He said his goal is to have the votes in place whenever Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell decides to allow a vote.
“My push is to try and get everything ready,” Mr. Lankford said.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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