Before Senate Control Shifts, Republicans Begin Aggressive Lame Duck Push to Install Trump Judges

A final window for confirmations

Republicans in the Senate aim to confirm roughly two dozen federal judges before their party gives up control of the chamber. They expect Trump’s opportunities to fill vacancies to narrow once Democrats hold the majority.

The proposed confirmations would take place during the lame-duck period, before the Senate’s control changes in early January. Democrats say they will do what they can to impede the effort.

Nominees and Senate schedule

Republican aides estimate that up to 25 candidates are awaiting action. That group includes four nominees for appeals courts and 21 for district courts. The aides expect the work to require considerable time on the Senate floor. They say the chamber may remain in session well into December to handle the nominations.

Thune pledges a lengthy session

John Thune, the South Dakota Republican who will remain majority leader until January, said his party was prepared to stay in Washington. He said members would work to confirm as many judges as possible and advance Republican-backed legislation before becoming the minority.

Republican leaders describe judicial confirmations as a priority for both the Senate party and the president. Their plan centers on using the remaining period of Republican control to act on the nominees.