While the first week of November was a banner time for special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation and the Republicans’ proposal to cut taxes, an item that could affect the nation for decades flew under the radar.
Last week, Senate Republicans were able to confirm four of President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees for lifetime positions on circuit courts, in addition to one more to a district court post as a part of the president’s unprecedented judicial blitz.
Those who were confirmed included Michigan Supreme Court Judge Joan Larsen to serve on the US 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, conservative Notre Dame law professor Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the US 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, University of Pennsylvania law professor Stephanos Bibas to the US 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, Colorado Supreme Court Judge Allison Eid to the US 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, and attorney Trevor McFadden to serve on the US District Court for the District of Columbia.
Seizing an opportunity to move forward on reshaping the federal court system to a more conservative bend, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell worked to confirm the judges in rapid-fire succession, in a week that experts said was incredibly rare and drew the ire of Democrats who believe Republicans are being hypocritical in the confirmation process and not providing ample time to vet the candidates.