scrubbedexpat099

Much more likely it will be a pick up opportunity for the Republicans after 2 of Dems in charge.

civilservant

You can't 'pick up' a seat you already have, genius

Lion in Winter

Now that is spot on

spouse of scouse

Watching and waiting, waiting and watching. 1.30am and knackered. Could someone please tell me to go to bed?

scrubbedexpat091

Looks like Twitter was not in agreement with Trump's tweets yesterday, so many marked as "Some or all of the content shared in this Tweet is disputed and might be misleading about an election or other civic process."

Steerpike

Indeed. I've never understood this level of detail, but what things can the president do without the support (approval) of the senate? Appoint EPA, USPS leaders?

One example I don't know the answer to; if another Supreme Court Justice were to die (obviously unlikely - just an example), and Biden proposed 'judge x', could the senate sit on that appointment for literally 4 years?

civilservant

Anything Senate-confirmable would be a no go, and yes that would include a SCOTUS vacancy, if McConnell refuses to grant any Biden choices a hearing.

That even extends to Bidens cabinet picks. If McConnell doesn't like them, Biden ain't getting 'em.

Warren as SecTreas for example.

(Postmaster General is Senate confirmable, FIY)

Steerpike

We have a lot to be optimistic about. Covid response, EPA, Climate change should all benefit.

Steerpike

Other than leading the (pathetic) Covid response team, what has Pence done in the last 4 years of any significance?

civilservant

They also spent decades in the senate together. I have read some accounts that they are actually pretty friendly.

Steerpike

So can Biden fire the current USPS guy? And if so, can there be a 'provisional' leader? How does it work in practice?

civilservant

Yes he can fire him if he chooses to.

In practice they all resign at the end of a term anyway (this happens at the beginning of a Presidents second term too, so that he has the choice to rehire them or not rather than fire them or not)

You can have an 'acting' secretary of whatever for up to 210 days, with a 90 day extension if it is a brand new administration to 300 days.

If a nomination is before the Senate, the 'acting' person can continue to serve until that nomination is either accepted or rejected by the Senate.

Oakvillian

I thought the Postmaster General was appointed by the Board of Governors. Members of the USPS Board of Governors are recommended by the president and subject to Senate confirmation, but the PMG himself is not.

civilservant

I think you might be right here. Wikipedia has it incorrect. According to 39 USC 202 the Governor's have the power to appoint the PMG, and are themselves confirmable. The PMG sits on the board and is a full voting member, but is the only member of the board that is NOT confirmed.

Steerpike

So, since this is likely to be the case in practice, it sounds like Biden can practically speaking appoint someone, in an acting capacity, for the next 4 years?