Reducing the number of Confirmations

One of the roles of the Senate is to give "advice and consent" to the President concerning the appointment of "Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States" (Art II Section 2).

The Senate is to consider S. 679 Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011. It was reported out of Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday. It will reduce the number of positions requiring confirmation. A Press Relese from the committee is available here.