Ben Carson is a step closer to being confirmed as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development after Republicans this week invoked cloture to block any attempt by Democrats to delay or prevent a Senate confirmation vote. Republicans filed their cloture motion and waived quorum call on Feb. 13, effectively ending further debate on Carson’s nomination. At least 16 senators must sign a cloture petition.]There has been no date set for Carson’s confirmation vote. The Trump administration has been slow to fill its Cabinet positions, partly due to Democrats’ stalling techniques. So far, only nine cabinet positions have been filled. There has been no Senate action scheduled since the Senate Banking Committee approved Carson confirmation by voice vote on Jan. 24, and nobody seems to have an explanation for the delay. While the committee vote was unanimous, Democrats continue to ...