WASHINGTON — In a closely watched vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed three new federal judges on Thursday, advancing President Biden’s judicial agenda despite strong Republican opposition to the nominees.
The confirmations, which passed with narrow margins along largely party-line votes, bring the total number of Biden-appointed federal judges to 142 since taking office. The latest appointments include two circuit court judges and one district court judge, filling crucial vacancies that have been pending for over a year.
“These confirmations represent a major victory for judicial independence and the fair administration of justice,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement following the votes. “Each of these nominees brings decades of legal expertise and a commitment to upholding the Constitution.”
Republican senators voiced sharp criticism of the nominees, citing concerns about their judicial philosophy and previous rulings. Senator John Cornyn of Texas called the confirmations “another example of the Biden administration pushing through partisan nominees who will legislate from the bench rather than interpret the law.”
The most contentious confirmation was Judge Maria Rodriguez, who was appointed to the influential 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Rodriguez, a former public defender with over 20 years of experience, faced intense questioning during her confirmation hearings about her record on criminal justice reform and civil rights cases.
Judicial advocacy groups praised the Senate’s action. “These confirmations help address the critical shortage of federal judges across the country,” said Alliance for Justice president Rakim Brooks. “Diverse and experienced jurists like these nominees will ensure that federal courts reflect the communities they serve.”
The confirmations come as the Biden administration continues to prioritize judicial appointments ahead of next year’s election. With several more vacancies expected before year’s end, Senate Democrats are pushing to confirm as many nominees as possible while maintaining their slim majority.
Legal analysts note that these appointments could have lasting impacts on federal jurisprudence for decades, as federal judges serve lifetime appointments. The newly confirmed judges will begin hearing cases in their respective courts within the coming weeks.
