WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate will be in session around the clock this week as Republicans aim to confirm more of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks over Democratic opposition.
Democrats intend to drag out the process as much as possible using all the time they can under the Senate’s arcane rules.
That means keeping the Senate in session 24 hours a day, beginning Monday as senators head to a showdown vote on Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos.
DeVos, a wealthy GOP donor, has drawn particularly fierce opposition. Two GOP senators have announced plans to oppose her, which could result in a 50-50 Senate vote Tuesday. That would leave Vice President Mike Pence in the role of tie-breaker.
Senator Rob Portman’s office said Monday that Senator Portman continues to support DeVos.
Rob appreciates the fact that Ohioans regularly reach out to his office to voice their opinions on a variety of issued. We value and welcome their input. We have received a higher than normal amount of calls but that’s to be expected when the Senate is considering a new administration’s Cabinet nominees.
During Senator Portman’s recent re-election campaign, $51,000 in donations came from the DeVos family.
Votes will follow later in the week on picks for attorney general, Treasury, and other posts.
