Why does this necessarily delay the votes? The Republicans have the majority,; proceed with the votes. Is there some obscure Senate rule that needs to be changed?
This happened in 2013 with the GOP not attending a confirmation committee vote.
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.... GOP minority in 2013, refusing to attend a hearing confirmation for Gina McCarthy ,
President Obama’s pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency.....
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Not sure of how but she was eventually confirmed by the Senate.