White House / President·Nominations
White House "optimistic" about ending Sen. Cramer's hold on Trump nominees before Republicans lose the Senate; Cramer eyes a deal "not too long after Thanksgiving"

A senior White House official told the Washington Examiner talks with Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, who is slowing most executive-branch nominees over a Biden-era wetland conservation rule he calls an illegal "land grab," are "headed in the right direction." Cramer said he is "pretty confident" the standoff will be resolved "not too long after Thanksgiving," and he is not holding judges or Health and Human Services nominees. The Examiner noted Republicans have only the lame-duck session to confirm nominees after Democrats gained at least eight Senate seats.
Sources
- Washington ExaminerWhite House inches closer to ending Kevin Cramer blockade on Trump nominees