Senate Republicans took the first steps to change the chambers rules on Thursday, moving to make it easier to confirm groups of President Donald Trumps nominees after last-minute negotiations with Democrats fell apart.

Senate Majority Leader John Thunes move is the latest salvo after a dozen years of gradual changes by both parties to weaken the filibuster and make the nominations process more partisan. He has said the Democrats obstruction is unsustainable as they have drawn out the confirmation process and infuriated Trump as many positions in his administration have remained unfilled.

The Senate on Thursday evening moved forward on the proposed rule change with a 45-53 party line vote. The new rules would allow the Senate to move some of Trumps nominees in groups of 48 at a time.

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