Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott told Fox News that the Senate should abandon its usual recesses and adopt a “24/7” work schedule to finish President Trump’s judicial slate before the Democratic majority takes over. With the midterm election results set to shift control of the chamber in roughly 60 days, Scott warned that the window for confirming lifetime judges is rapidly closing.
Scott’s Call for an Uninterrupted Senate
“We shouldn’t be going home this afternoon. We ought to be up here every day,” Scott said. He urged senators to stay on the Capitol floor, work through Thanksgiving, Christmas and weekends, and pull all‑nighters if necessary. “Americans work five days a week. If you’re in business like I was, you’re working seven days a week. So why aren’t we working every day between now and when the Democrats take over to get all of our agenda done?”
Why the Push Matters to the Trump Administration
The Trump administration has emphasized that a fully staffed federal judiciary is essential for preserving constitutional principles, protecting religious liberty, and ensuring that conservative values are reflected in the courts. Scott framed the accelerated schedule as a matter of national security and fiscal responsibility, noting that uninterrupted sessions would also give Republicans time to address inflation, curb federal spending, and move forward on the National Defense Authorization Act and permitting reform.
Political Context and Upcoming Leadership Decisions
Scott’s demand coincides with internal GOP discussions about Senate leadership elections. While the party prepares to select new leaders for the minority, Scott and allies argue that the priority should be to finish the judicial confirmation process and evaluate why voters rejected many Republican candidates in the recent midterms.
Potential Impact on Legislative Work
If the Senate adopts Scott’s marathon schedule, it could accelerate the confirmation of dozens of judges, shaping the federal bench for generations. It would also allow Republicans to push through key legislative items before the chamber’s power balance shifts. Critics may view the proposal as extreme, but Scott insists there is “no excuse to leave Washington while vacancies remain.”
What Comes Next
The Senate will decide whether to adopt a continuous work schedule or maintain its traditional calendar. Regardless of the outcome, Scott’s appeal underscores the urgency the Trump administration places on completing its judicial and policy agenda before the Democratic majority assumes control.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
