Absent Senate Republicans Helped Democrat-Backed Judicial Nominees Get Confirmed

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President-elect Donald Trump expressed frustration as Senate Democrats confirmed several judicial nominees, thanks in part to the absence of key Senate Republicans. Trump has been vocal about his desire for a GOP blockade to stall President Joe Biden’s judicial appointments during the lame-duck session. Despite his efforts, the absent Senate Republicans unwittingly undermined this strategy.

The Senate approved Embry Kidd’s appointment to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals with a 49-45 vote. While this was a near party-line decision, the five absent Senate Republicans, including Vice President-elect JD Vance and Bill Hagerty, both attending meetings with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis voiced his anger, stating, “90% of success in life is showing up.”

Frustrations Grow at Absent Senate Republicans

Conservative activists and some GOP seniors expressed outrage over the absent Senate Republicans. Carrie Severino of the Judicial Crisis Network criticized the lack of attendance, emphasizing that it jeopardizes efforts to block what she called “radical” nominees. Meanwhile, some Republicans like Vance argued that the absences would not have changed the outcome due to the presence of independent and Democratic votes.

Senator Mike Braun is among the absent Senate Republicans who missed critical votes. Democrats were able to confirm Sarah Russell for Connecticut’s federal court and Rebecca Pennell for Washington’s Eastern District Court with slim margins. Vice President Kamala Harris, who could have cast a tiebreaker, was out of Washington on a trip to Hawaii.

Trump’s Call for Unity Clashes with GOP Reality

Trump took to social media to demand unity and attendance among Senate Republicans, posting, “Republican Senators need to Show Up and Hold the Line — No more Judges confirmed before Inauguration Day!” His frustration stems from concerns over inheriting fewer judicial vacancies compared to his first term. Biden is just 15 confirmations away from matching Trump’s judicial appointment record, highlighting the stakes involved.

The absent Senate Republicans have reignited debates over GOP cohesion. While incoming Majority Leader John Thune has announced plans to aggressively counter Biden’s final nominees, outgoing Majority Leader Chuck Schumer remains determined to push through confirmations.

Implications of the Absent Senate Republicans for Trump and the GOP

The missed votes highlight fractures within the Republican Party. Senators like Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, who missed votes while attending events with Trump, faced criticism for prioritizing external engagements over Senate duties. GOP senators, including Shelley Moore Capito, emphasized the need for discipline in attendance, especially with fewer legislative days left.

For Trump, these setbacks underscore the challenges of uniting the GOP as he prepares for his second term. With fewer judicial vacancies than in his first term, his ability to shape the judiciary may be constrained. Republican disunity could also weaken their broader legislative strategy moving forward.

How Can Trump Push His Judicial Agenda Now?

The GOP faces mounting pressure to prevent further judicial confirmations before Biden leaves office. While some senators have pledged to block nominations, the party must address attendance issues to maintain credibility. The outcome of this lame-duck session will significantly influence Trump’s judicial agenda, as well as perceptions of Republican effectiveness. This all happened because of several absent Senate Republicans who could have changed the confrimation outcomes. Where were they anyway?

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