Senate Republicans criticize president over nominee delay and Iran deal

Republican senators publicly criticized the president this week after he postponed a nominee's confirmation hearing and reached an agreement on Iran. The move delayed Jay Clayton's hearing to become national intelligence director and drew direct rebukes from several lawmakers.

Sen. " Sen. Thom Tillis said the president had not been briefed on the details of the decision.

Shift from prior cooperation A year earlier, Senate Republicans worked closely with the president to pass a large spending and tax package. Criticism of the president was rare at that time, and lawmakers planned to highlight the legislation during the midterm campaign.

The current friction has slowed Senate business and placed pressure on senators facing reelection. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has told the president that votes are not available to eliminate the filibuster or pass the SAVE America Act.

Internal party tensions Several Republican senators also criticized Sen.

Mike Lee during a private meeting for pushing to end the filibuster. Sen. John Cornyn said it was Lee's responsibility to find the votes rather than complain about others. Sen. Eric Schmitt said he had never heard the president speak negatively about Thune.

Sen. Mike Rounds described Thune as "the stable force" in the Senate. Some Republican senators have defended the president's actions. Sen. Bernie Moreno posted support for the Iran agreement on social media.