[U.S. Senate Republicans Invoke "Nuclear Option," Fast-Track Confirmation of Trump Cabinet Nominees] According to a report by Jinse Finance, after negotiations with Democrats broke down, Senate Republicans invoked the so-called "nuclear option" to expedite the confirmation of the second round of Trump administration cabinet nominees. On Thursday, Republican senators passed a new Senate rule with a 53-45 vote, allowing collective confirmation of certain executive branch nominees, stating that this was a necessary measure to counter Democratic obstruction. Senate Majority Leader John Thune employed a legislative procedure that allows a simple majority to override Senate rules, setting a new precedent. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Thune is now pushing for the simultaneous confirmation of 48 civilian nominees, most of whom are for positions such as Deputy Secretary of State, Assistant Secretary of State, or Ambassador.