New data from the Partnership for Public Service found that Senate confirmation of presidential appointees are taking longer than ever.

Why it Matters

A major presidential responsibility is to fill more than 1,200 political appointments requiring Senate confirmation. Few decisions have a greater impact on the success of an administration than the selection of its people. A president must not only select well-qualified appointees, but work with relevant federal agencies and the Senate to get appointees in place quickly. This is especially crucial for a president beginning their first term, or transitioning to a second term, as year five usually coincides with a turnover of more than 40% in senior leadership positions.