Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pointed to the system of checks and balances and the role the Senate has played in their constitutional duties.

The outgoing Senate majority leader called on his GOP replacement to follow the usual confirmation process rather than caving to demands from President-elect Donald Trump to waive vetting procedures.

Still, a new chamber could change things. Banks ran as a Trump devotee. Gallego, previously a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, did not renew his membership with that group earlier this year and took steps toward the political center while running for Senate.