Democrats continue to block Trump appointments more than two years into administration

Washington Examiner:

President Trump is more than half-done with his first term, but in many countries, his foreign policy remains on the runway as Democrats force massive delays on ambassador confirmation votes. Now, Trump allies backed by veteran diplomats are urging a fight as key posts go unfilled.

Data reviewed by the Washington Examiner show delays longer than in recent administrations, with some nominees waiting since 2017 for a vote.

“They need to be there, in place, doing their jobs. Long delays in the appointments of ambassadors needlessly damage U.S. security,” said Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., the ranking member of the House intelligence committee.

Andy Surabian, a Republican strategist and former Trump White House official, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell should heighten the stakes.

"McConnell should today announce he is canceling August recess unless Democrats stop blocking ambassador nominees. Watch how quickly Democrats will fold,” Surabian said. "It's two years into the [Trump] presidency. It's time for Republicans in the Senate to play hardball."

Although Democrats hold a minority of Senate seats, arcane rules allow them to force time-consuming individual votes on ambassadors, meaning McConnell, the Kentucky Republican, is forced to prioritize the ones he considers most important.

Historically, most ambassadors were confirmed in mere months in voice votes. Delays grew late in President Barack Obama’s administration. Under Trump, many nominees have waited more than 500 days, topped by Doug Manchester, nominee to be envoy to the Bahamas, who has waited 785 days.
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The bad faith of the Senate Democrats should become an issue in their reelection campaigns.  Republican candidates should use it against them.