Senate Confirms Biden's 235th Judicial Appointment, Setting New Record
In a historic move, the Democratic-led Senate confirmed President Joe Biden’s 235th federal judge on Friday, marking a significant milestone in judicial appointments.
This Senate confirmation surpasses the number of federal judges appointed by former President Donald Trump, highlighting a major achievement for the Biden administration as it approaches its end, as NBC News reports.
The confirmation, which took place on Friday, adds one more federal judge to Biden's tally, bringing his total to 235. This number includes a wide range of judges, from district courts to the highest court in the land.
President Biden’s Legacy Through Judicial Appointments
President Biden's judicial appointments span across various courts, including one Supreme Court justice, 45 appeals court judges, 187 district court judges, and two judges on the U.S. Court of International Trade. These appointments are notable not only for their quantity but also for their lifetime tenure.
The administration has prioritized diversity in its judicial nominations, a move that has reshaped the demographic and professional landscape of the federal judiciary. This strategy has led to significant milestones, including the appointment of the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Biden's Focus on Diverse Bench
Alongside demographic diversity, President Biden and the Democratic-majority Senate have focused on professional diversity in judicial appointments. This has included nominating over 45 public defenders, over 25 civil rights lawyers, and at least 10 lawyers who have advocated for workers' rights. The emphasis on diversity extends to judges from minority and diverse backgrounds, setting records in the appointment of judges who represent a cross-section of American society.
Despite these accomplishments, President Biden has appointed fewer Supreme Court justices compared to Trump, with only one appointment versus Trump’s three.
Political Reactions to Judicial Milestones
Reactions to Biden’s 235th confirmation have been mixed across the political spectrum. While Democrats celebrate the milestone, some Republicans criticize the pace and selection of nominees.
"Judges shape our lives," President Biden remarked on social media, expressing pride in the legacy he leaves through his judicial appointments. This sentiment is echoed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who highlighted the historic nature of these confirmations.
However, criticism from Republican senators such as Ted Cruz, who accused Senate Democrats of endorsing "zealots" for the bench, underscores the partisan divide over judicial appointments. Chuck Grassley hinted at future political jousting over judicial numbers, speculating on Trump's potential future claims.
Future Judicial Battles Anticipated
Sen. John Cornyn noted the significance of Biden's appointment record, calling it "impressive" and challenging to surpass. Meanwhile, Senator John Kennedy humorously quantified the achievement as being "one more than 234 but one less than 236."
Sen. Richard Blumenthal shared a tempered view, recognizing the importance of these appointments but cautioning that challenging times lie ahead, especially with potential Republican nominees next year.
"I’m not ready to uncork the champagne, just because we’ve done some really good work over the last four years," Blumenthal stated, emphasizing the need for vigilance and readiness to oppose unqualified nominees.
The Bottom Line
The White House has outlined the impact of these appointments in a fact sheet, stressing that these judges have the power to either uphold or roll back fundamental rights.
As the Biden administration nears its conclusion, the record-setting number of judicial appointments stands as a testament to its priorities and the enduring impact it seeks to leave on the judiciary.
