RantCrush Top 5: January 31, 2017

This morning, Senate Democrats decided not to show up to vote on two of Trump’s key cabinet picks, stalling the confirmation process. Senators on the Finance Committee were supposed to vote on Tom Price for the Department of Health and Human Services, and for Steve Mnuchin to lead the Treasury Department. A minimum of one Democrat needs to be present for the vote to happen. But everyone boycotted it. A picture from the committee vote shows how half the room is empty.

The scene at @RepTomPrice‘s finance committee vote where Senate Dems are boycotting the vote, demanding more information. #PriceIsWrong pic.twitter.com/m3v7PRVdoZ

— CAP Action (@CAPAction) January 31, 2017

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden wrote in a statement on Tuesday morning that the nominees had misled the public and withheld important information, and until all their questions are answered, there will be no vote. Of course, Republicans became outraged and called the action “ridiculous” and “offensive.” Republican Orrin Hatch even suggested changing the rules so they wouldn’t have to deal with situations like this. Donald Trump has already shown his frustration with the slow confirmation process, and will likely not be happy about this.

When will the Democrats give us our Attorney General and rest of Cabinet! They should be ashamed of themselves! No wonder D.C. doesn’t work!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.