John Thune vows to confirm Trump nominees quickly

“As you know, the Senate has an advise and consent rule on the Constitution, so we will do everything we can to process his noms quickly get them installed in their positions so they can begin to implement this agenda,” Thune told reporters outside the Senate foyer.

Thune was victorious in his quest to lead the Republican majority in the Senate and succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in the role. The vote was 29-24. Thune defeated Senators John Cornyn and Rick Scott (R-FL). All three said that they would comply with President-elect Donald Trump's ask to create opportunities for him to make Recess Appointments to cabinet positions.

"We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s nominees in place as soon as possible, & all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems block the will of the American people," Thune, a Senator from South Dakota, wrote at the time.

Scott was the favorite choice of MAGA Republicans but was unsuccessful in the secret vote that took place on Wednesday.