WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden’s judicial nominations face a roadblock in the Senate as Republicans strike a deal to expedite consideration for some nominees while holding off on voting for four appellate court judges. This move aims to bring Biden closer to the total of 234 judicial confirmations seen during Donald Trump’s first term. Currently, Biden has secured confirmation for 221 judges.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faced resistance as he tried to push through more of Biden’s nominees before the Congressional session ends and Republicans take control of the chamber in January. To facilitate faster consideration, a time agreement has been reached to review seven district court judges after Thanksgiving, with six more judges potentially being considered in December.
Among the nominees excluded from consideration are Adeel Abdullah Mangi, Karla M. Campbell, Julia M. Lipez, and Ryan Young Park, who were awaiting floor votes for various circuit court positions. Mangi, in particular, would have been the first Muslim American to serve as a federal appellate judge if confirmed. Despite his impressive credentials, including degrees from Oxford and Harvard, his nomination faced opposition over limited volunteer work with external groups.
Confirmation battles over circuit court judges are typically more challenging due to their role in handling appeals from district courts and having final rulings on legal matters. Schumer’s office noted that the four circuit nominees lacked sufficient support for confirmation, with Democrats advancing more judges under the agreement.
In response to the deal, some liberal groups voiced disappointment, calling for the swift confirmation of all of Biden’s nominees before Trump’s potential return to office. They believe it is crucial to have these judges in place to counter the extremism they anticipate under a Trump administration. Schumer, committed to prioritizing Biden’s judicial nominees, emphasized the Senate’s responsibility to confirm these appointments promptly before the year ends.