The Senate Republicans are pushing for expedited confirmation of President-elect Trump’s administration appointments, particularly for key national security positions, following a deadly attack in New Orleans. The attack, which killed over a dozen people and injured dozens more, is believed to have been inspired by ISIS.
Incoming Senate Republican Leader John Thune emphasized the need for swift confirmation of Trump’s picks for the FBI, director of national intelligence, and secretary of defense. He noted that the threat posed by ISIS will outlast the current administration and that the Senate must prioritize the confirmation of President Trump’s national security team as quickly as possible.
Other Republicans, including Senators John Barrasso, Rick Scott, and Katie Britt, echoed Thune’s sentiments, urging the Senate to move quickly to confirm Trump’s national security team. Senator Marsha Blackburn expressed frustration with the FBI’s handling of the investigation, stating that the agency seemed to be behind on intelligence regarding the suspect.
The Senate Republicans’ push for expedited confirmation comes as the country continues to grapple with the threat of terrorism. The FBI has reported that the suspect in the New Orleans attack, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was “inspired” by ISIS but has no evidence yet that the terrorist group directed him. The agency also claimed to have had zero intelligence on Jabbar before the attack.