The Senate Judiciary Committee approved three judicial nominees Thursday, among hints that a dispute about President Barack Obama’s controversial recess appointees could stall their confirmations by the full Senate.
The Senate overwhelmingly voted to confirm a pair of federal district court judges Thursday, the day after congressional leaders moved past months of partisan bickering that had bogged down judicial nominees for months.
After months of partisan recrimination and amid threats of a GOP filibuster, Senate leaders reached an agreement Wednesday to move forward with judicial nominees, assuring that 12 federal district court judge picks and two circuit court selections will get confirmation votes before the summer.
Judicial nominations have taken center stage on Capitol Hill, with Senate Democrats moving to end a GOP filibuster and force votes on 17 federal district court nominees.
At a Senate Judiciary Commmittee hearing addressing the DOJ’s response to home loan discrimination and foreclosure abuses, Sen.