Confirmation Hearings Open in a Test of Trump’s Hold on Senate G.O.P.

Opposition to prospective nominees, along with time-consuming Senate rules, will slow floor action despite the Republican push for approval of some of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s picks as soon as Jan. 20.

With Hearings Imminent, Partisan Fight Escalates Over Trump Cabinet

Democrats are demanding that Republicans slow consideration of picks for the new administration until they can review background checks, as the G.O.P. faces major pressure to quickly confirm them.