Washington, D.C. — Sam Berger, vice president of Democracy and Government Reform at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement in response to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) move to reduce debate time for federal district court nominees and certain executive nominees from 30 hours to just two hours:
This move makes a mockery of the Senate’s advice and consent role. It’s yet another attempt to pack the court with narrow-minded, partisan judges who will put the interests of big business and the wealthy before those of everyone else. This reckless move could let President Donald Trump pack the court with more than 255 judges, nearly one-third of the entire judiciary, by the end of his first term. These nominees for lifetime positions need more scrutiny, not less. Jamming them through without giving lawmakers enough time to examine their records is unacceptable.
For more information or to talk to an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202-478-6327.