The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted April 30 to advance the nomination of CatholicVote President Brian Burch as US Ambassador to the Holy See.

The committee voted 12–10 to approve Burch's nomination, advancing it to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., must now file a cloture motion to end debate. A final vote will follow. Usually, final votes take place within two hours after such motions. 

The committee had been scheduled to vote on the nomination earlier in the day, but the meeting was delayed after several Democratic senators failed to appear.

“Democrats have been slow-walking every nominee, refusing to give President Trump the highly qualified personnel he is requesting,” CatholicVote’s Director of Government Affairs Tom McClusky said. “It is time for the Senate Majority Leader to play hardball and take away the senators' Fridays and weekends.”

Burch’s confirmation process comes at a particularly important moment: With the conclave to elect a new pope set to begin next week, the Vatican is in a period of transition. The ambassador to the Holy See plays a crucial role in representing the US during such pivotal times for the global Church.

CatholicVote Vice President Josh Mercer welcomed the committee’s decision.

“Congratulations to our own Brian Burch! He’s one step closer to being President Trump’s ambassador to the Holy See,” he said.

Mercer acknowledged that the confirmation process could still take time, given the often slow pace of Senate procedures. 

“Once confirmed, Brian will have to step down from his position at CatholicVote,” Mercer continued. “It sounds strange to say it, but we’re looking forward to the news that Brian is leaving us. That’s because that will mean our prayers were answered, and Brian will be able to begin his important role representing our nation at the Vatican.”

He emphasized the timing, noting the dual significance of a vacant ambassadorial post and a vacant papal chair.

“We hope the senators will soon recognize that having a strong U.S. presence in Rome during the conclave and the welcoming of a new pope would send a positive signal about the importance of U.S. relations with the Vatican,” Mercer said.

“Please join us in prayer for a speedy confirmation vote,” he concluded. “Brian deserves it. And America deserves him as ambassador.”