Senate Republicans Move Quickly on Judicial Picks
Senate Republicans are pushing ahead with President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees at a fast pace. Last week alone, lawmakers confirmed six of his picks. The goal is clear. GOP leaders want to approve as many judges as possible while they control the chamber.
So far, the Senate has confirmed 33 judges since the start of Trump’s second term. That number already surpasses the early pace of his first term. During his first year in office, the Senate confirmed 19 Article III judges, including Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.
However, Democrats under former President Joe Biden moved even faster. In Biden’s first year, the Senate confirmed 42 judicial nominees. Whether Republicans can exceed Trump’s final first term total of 234 judges remains uncertain.
Pressure Builds to End the Blue Slip Tradition
At the same time, tensions are rising over the Senate’s blue slip tradition. The rule, in place for more than a century, gives home state senators a say in federal judicial nominations. Critics argue that Democrats use it to stall Republican nominees.
President Trump has openly criticized the practice. He said it limits his ability to appoint judges and U.S. attorneys. Some of his allies agree and want the rule scrapped. They believe removing it would speed up confirmations even more.
Still, not all Republicans support that move. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina warned that eliminating the blue slip would be a mistake. He argued that the rule protects minority rights. If Democrats regain control, Republicans may rely on the same safeguard.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley also supports keeping the tradition. He noted that it has existed for 110 years. In his view, there is no urgent reason to revisit it.
Past Changes and Ongoing Frustration
Grassley did adjust the rule in 2017. He allowed circuit court nominees to move forward even without blue slip approval. That change helped Republicans confirm more judges during Trump’s first term despite Democratic resistance.
Much of Trump’s frustration appears tied to specific nominations. Blue slips delayed the nominations of Alina Habba and Lindsey Halligan last year. Since then, the president has criticized the rule and those defending it.
For now, the blue slip remains in place. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans continue confirming judges at a steady pace. The debate over the rule may shape how quickly future nominees move through the chamber
