In New Letter, Majority Leader Schumer Urges Incoming Republican Leader Thune To Maintain Senate’s Critical And Constitutional Duty To Provide Advice And Consent On Nominations

Washington, D.C. - Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sent the following letter to Senator John Thune (R-SD), incoming Republican Senate Leader, reiterating Senate Democrats commitment to their constitutional duty to provide advice and consent for all of the incoming president's nominations and urging the Senate to exercise this most critical responsibility:

In a new letter, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pressed incoming Republican Leader John Thune (R-SD) to work with Senate Democrats in a bipartisan fashion to review each of the incoming president's nominations and offer advice and consent.

"In our system of checks and balances, the Senate plays a vital role in ensuring the President appoints well-qualified public officials that will dutifully serve the American people and honor their oaths to the Constitution," said Leader Schumer. "Regardless of party, the Senate has upheld this sacred duty for generations and we should not and must not waver in our Constitutional duty."

The full text of the letter can be seen here and below.

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Dear Incoming Leader Thune:

As we transition to the 119th Congress, Senate Democrats stand ready and willing to work with Senate Republicans to provide advice and consent as we evaluate all of the incoming president's nominations. In particular, we commit to working in a bipartisan fashion to process each nominee by reviewing standard FBI background-investigation materials, scheduling hearings and markups in the committees of jurisdiction, and considering nominees on the Senate floor.

In our system of checks and balances, the Senate plays a vital role in ensuring the President appoints well-qualified public officials that will dutifully serve the American people and honor their oaths to the Constitution. Regardless of party, the Senate has upheld this sacred duty for generations and we should not and must not waiver in our Constitutional duty. We look forward to joining you in these efforts as soon as possible once the Senate and its committees are organized in January.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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