Senate Greenlights Biden's 220th Federal Judicial Nominee
In a decisive late-night session, the Senate confirmed President Joe Biden's 220th judicial nominee, marking a significant milestone in federal appointments.
The Democrat-led Senate is hoping to surpass the number of judges confirmed during Donald Trump's term, marking their efforts by approving Biden’s 220th lifetime judiciary appointment, as Newsmax reports.
The Senate convened on Wednesday to vote on Biden’s latest nominee, achieving a significant milestone by confirming the 220th lifetime appointment to the federal judiciary.
This move is part of the Democrats' broader goal to reach or exceed the 234 judges confirmed during President Donald Trump’s first term.
A Push to Secure Confirmations
Following the confirmation, Senate Democrats worked tirelessly into the early hours of Thursday.
They sought to conclude debates on other nominees, paving the way for forthcoming confirmation votes.
Despite the progress, not all were in favor of the push. Vice President-elect Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio cast his vote against the nominees, reflecting the partisan divide on the issue.
Additionally, notable absences were observed during the session.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas missed votes early on Wednesday, and Indiana Gov.-elect Sen. Mike Braun was absent for the entire day, complicating the voting dynamics.
New Judges on the Bench
Among the confirmations, Amir Ali was appointed as a federal trial court judge in Washington, D.C., securing his position by a narrow 50-49 vote.
This was closely followed by the confirmation of Rebecca Pennell, a judge from the Washington Court of Appeals, as a trial court judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, with a 50-48 vote on Wednesday.
Looking ahead, the Senate is scheduled to vote on Thursday for Sharad Desai’s lifetime appointment as district judge for the District of Arizona.
These appointments underscore the Democrats' determination to reshape the judiciary as President Biden’s term concludes.
Republican Response to Judicial Appointments
Former President Donald Trump, vocal in his opposition, took to Truth Social on Tuesday.
He urged Senate Republicans to block these nominations, emphasizing, "The Democrats are trying to stack the Courts with Radical Left Judges on their way out the door. Republican Senators need to Show Up and Hold the Line -- No more Judges confirmed before Inauguration Day!"
Trump’s call highlights the ongoing strategic battle over judiciary control, which has intensified as the current administration’s term nears its end.
Despite his appeal, the Democrats continue to advance their agenda, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York planning votes for another half-dozen nominees after the Thanksgiving recess.
This indicates a relentless pursuit by the Democrats to secure as many judicial confirmations as possible before the transition of power occurs.