McConnell hits the gas on judges with new green light

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will be able to get judges and executive branch appointees confirmed much faster now.

The Kentucky Republican wasted no time in advancing his first batch.

Normally a batch of six nominees could take weeks to confirm, thanks to delay tactics Democrats have employed to stall some of President Trump’s judicial and executive branch picks.

But Republicans have significantly shortened the maximum time lawmakers can debate about them and, under the new precedent, debate could only take a few weeks.

Before adjourning the Senate on Thursday, McConnell lined up votes on four district court nominees, a sub-Cabinet pick, and the president’s designee to serve as ambassador to Saudi Arabia. And he plans to bring up more nominations Monday, a GOP aide told the Washington Examiner.