U.S. Senator Brian Schatz announced on Monday that he would be blocking Senate votes on President Donald Trump’s nominees for diplomatic positions in objection to the plans to close the U.S. Agency for International Development and integrate it into the State Department. According to Senate rules, a single senator can delay nominations even if the other 99 senators support them, resulting in the Senate having to dedicate significant floor time to advance these nominations or promotions. Trump has tasked billionaire Elon Musk with reducing inefficient spending in the federal government, leading the charge to shut down USAID and making baseless allegations against the agency. USAID plays a crucial role in providing assistance for various projects, including women’s health in conflict zones, access to clean water, energy security, and anti-corruption initiatives. In 2024, it was responsible for 42% of all humanitarian aid monitored by the United Nations. Recently, employees at USAID were instructed to stay home from work amid reports of numerous staff layoffs. Senator Schatz, along with other Democratic lawmakers, held a press conference outside the agency to condemn what they view as an attack on a vital agency that funds critical aid programs worldwide. Schatz’s decision to delay Senate votes on nominees was revealed to Reuters prior to the press conference. Senator Chris Van Hollen also announced his intention to impede State Department nominations following the conference. Slowing down nominations or promotions requiring Senate approval is one of the limited methods minority party members have to try to influence policy. Notably, last year, when Democrats held a slight majority in the Senate, Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville blocked numerous military promotions due to disagreements over the Defense Department’s abortion policy.
