Senate Republicans are mounting much less opposition to President Joe Biden’s major appointees in 2021 than Democrats did against President Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees in 2017. Four of Biden’s top picks have been confirmed quickly by the Senate, which is split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, with Vice-President Kamala Harris (D-Calif) providing the tie-breaking vote that also makes Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) the Senate Majority Leader. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines was confirmed just a few hours after Biden took the oath of office Jan. 20. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was next, being approved by the Senate two days later on a 93-2 vote. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen was approved Jan. 25 on an 84-15 vote, and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Jan. 26 by 78-22. Confirmation hearings are being scheduled and held at a fairly prompt pace as Senate Republicans, led by Senate Minority …