Tell the Senate: No Recess Appointments! Don't Abdicate Your Duty to Vet Trump's Nominees.

A dangerous attempt to undermine one of our democracy's fundamental safeguards is playing out before our very eyes:

Trump is demanding that the Senate forgo its constitutional duty to vet and confirm his nominees for crucial government positions -- including Secretary of State, Defense, Education, and more.

He’d reportedly implement an unprecedented and brazen use of presidential authority to make it happen: Under a bad-faith reading of Article II of the Constitution, the president could potentially force Congress to adjourn and use his presidential authority to recess-appoint his Cabinet while they’re out.

Without Senate scrutiny, there would be no public hearings, no tough questions, and no way to stop dangerous, ill-fitted nominees from leading our federal agencies.

The resulting harm could take decades to undo, and we’re not about to let it happen without a fight that starts today. Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and too many of his Republican colleagues seem willing to abdicate their constitutional responsibility, but that’s where constituents like you come in, and remind them to do their job.

To members of the 118th Senate:

Reports that incoming President Trump would use his authority to adjourn Congress and push through a slate of recess appointments are deeply concerning.

I urge you to do everything you can to maintain the crucial checks and balances that underpin our government, that includes refusing any attempts to sideline the confirmation process.

Signed,