The U.S. Constitution is designed with checks and balances for a reason, and Article 2, Section 2, Clause 2 highlights this perfectly. While the president can nominate individuals for high office, the Senate also has a crucial role: to advise and consent to these nominations, making sure no single branch wields unchecked power.
Lately, there’s been a lot of noise from conservatives about the Biden administration not properly vetting migrants, particularly those who have committed serious crimes like murder and rape. If we consider vetting important for border crossings, it’s just as vital for those who will hold significant power in key government positions.
Now, when we talk about “vetting,” it simply means assessing someone to see if they’re fit for a particular role. Just having bright ideas doesn’t automatically qualify you for a high-powered job.
Some have suggested that Congress should take a 10-day break to let President-elect Trump’s nominees through without hearings. Honestly, that’s a risky move that could backfire on Trump, his team, and the general public.
Every nominee should be thoroughly vetted, especially when it comes to some key figures. Take Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense – he lacks experience and has faced some serious allegations of sexual assault, despite his attorney’s denials. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is another name with radical views on vaccinations, demanding a closer look. Tulsi Gabbard being considered for Director of National Intelligence also raises eyebrows due to her connections to a controversial group and her supportive remarks about Assad and Russia. And then there’s Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, whose legal credentials are somewhat thin. The House Ethics Committee ought to disclose its findings on Gaetz, especially concerning allegations of inappropriate conduct. The Justice Department didn’t press charges, but these claims shouldn’t just be swept under the rug. Politics shouldn’t skew the process – these nominees need to be questioned thoroughly and truthfully.
Sure, Washington could use a shake-up to cut through red tape, but it has to be for the right reasons, with the right people.
John Thune, soon to be Senate Majority Leader, should stand firm against attempts to rush the nomination process without proper hearings. Some Republican senators have voiced their doubts, and they deserve the chance to question these nominees and base their votes on the answers they receive. Nominees should be prepared to justify why they’re the best picks for their roles and lay out their plans if confirmed. Think of it as asking them, “Why do you want to take this on?”
For senators in need of guidance, perhaps looking to the wisdom in the Book of Proverbs could help. “Get all the advice you can, and you will succeed; without it you will fail,” (Proverbs 15:22) is a timeless piece. And there’s another gem that applies equally to nominees: “If you refuse good advice, you are asking for trouble; follow it and you are safe.” (Proverbs 13:13)
In-depth hearings on Trump’s nominees don’t inherently delay their confirmation. But making hasty decisions can lead to issues down the line: “Fools will believe anything, but the wise think about what they do.” (Proverbs 14:15)
Feel free to reach out to Cal Thomas at [email protected]. And if you’re curious, check out his latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).
