Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is preparing to use a procedural tactic known as the “nuclear option” to break a Senate deadlock and accelerate the confirmation of numerous lower-level Trump administration nominees. This maneuver comes in response to what Republicans describe as consistent delays and obstruction from Senate Democrats.

Thune’s strategy involves reducing the 60-vote filibuster threshold for certain presidential nominees to a simple majority. This change would not apply to cabinet secretaries or judicial nominees but instead target approximately 40 subcabinet and other lower-level positions awaiting Senate approval. The move echoes past Senate battles over confirmation processes.

To begin, Thune introduced a resolution grouping the nominees together, which must survive a cloture vote needing 60 votes. Democrats are expected to block this initial vote. Thune plans to strategically vote “no” on the failed cloture, placing himself in the majority, which allows him to call for a reconsideration.

Following that, Thune is expected to raise a point of order asserting that such resolutions should only require a simple majority. The presiding officer will likely reject this claim based on precedent, but Thune can appeal the ruling. If a simple majority of senators support the appeal, a new precedent would be established lowering the vote requirement.

If successful, the revised rule could be implemented quickly, with a new cloture vote on Monday, Sept. 15, and a final confirmation vote on the nominees by Wednesday, Sept. 17. Proponents believe the change would reduce gridlock and streamline confirmations for roles that traditionally face little resistance.

However, critics warn that repeated use of the nuclear option undermines Senate norms of extended debate and consensus. Similar tactics were used in the past by both parties, reshaping the chamber’s rules and intensifying political polarization.