On Tuesday, President-elect Trump cautioned Senate Republicans against striking a deal with Democrats to expedite the approval of a final group of President Biden’s nominees before the Senate adjourns later this week.
He declared on Truth Social, “To all Senate Republicans: NO DEAL WITH DEMOCRATS TO FAST TRACK NOMINATIONS AT THE END OF THIS CONGRESS.” Trump further asserted, “I won the biggest mandate in 129 years. I will make my appointments of Very Qualified People in January when I am sworn in.”
Historically, Senate Democrats and Republicans have often approved groups of remaining nominees before concluding a legislative session; however, this practice has diminished recently as such agreements face increased scrutiny.
Prior to Thanksgiving, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reached an agreement with Republicans to expedite the confirmation of nine federal district court judges. In a concession to the Republicans, he also decided to delay the consideration of four of Biden’s circuit-court nominees, who Democrats later acknowledged likely lacked sufficient votes for confirmation.
So far, the Senate has confirmed 233 of Biden’s judicial nominees, which matches the number confirmed during Trump’s first term. Both Biden and Trump have had more judicial appointments confirmed than former President Obama, who managed to secure the Senate’s approval for 170 of his judicial nominees.
