It Is Happening Every Day, Every Where
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.
The president-elect has admonished Republicans to stay united around his ambitious domestic policy plans. But his track record with Congress is one of abrupt turnabouts and last-minute blowups.
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.
Most Democrats joined Republicans in voting to take up the measure, which would require the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants charged with minor crimes.
President-elect Donald J. Trump has waffled on his preferences for how his party tackles his agenda, adding to the uncertainty for Republicans.
The husband of Senator Deb Fischer, Republican of Nebraska, drew criticism online when he failed to accept a handshake offered by Vice President Kamala D. Harris at his wife’s ceremonial swearing-in.
Vice President Kamala D. Harris presided over the certification of her own loss without disputing it, and Democrats made no move to challenge the results.
A joint session of the House and Senate is set to convene at 1 p.m. to perform a ritual that was once considered ceremonial and uneventful.