RELATED June 06, 2025 Partnership for Public Service’s public comments on OPM’s “Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service” (Schedule P/C) proposed rule June 02, 2025 Partnership for Public Service's public comments on OPM's "Assuring Responsive and Accountable Federal Executive Management" proposed rule April 24, 2025 New Partnership for Public Service polling shows majority of the American public concerned about cuts to the federal workforce and government services Back to Reports Senate Traditionally Confirms First Cabinet Secretaries Within Days December 21, 2021 Having Cabinet positions filled by Senate-confirmed appointees benefits new administrations – and more importantly, the country – by enabling presidents to hit the ground running, especially during times of crisis. An examination of the last four incoming presidents shows that each announced most of their desired Cabinet secretaries during their transition, and the Senate generally moved quickly to confirm those nominations. On average, 95% of these secretary nominees receive confirmation hearings before the inauguration. For Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, the confirmations of their secretary picks occurred almost immediately following the moment they took the oath of office on Jan. 20. Center for Presidential Transition