Senate Republicans insist they will not even consider any Supreme Court nominee put forth by the president of the United States, prompting calls from around the country: #DoYourJob! But that’s not their only campaign of obstruction aimed at the judiciary. They’ve been abdicating their responsibilities to consider and vote on lower federal court nominees, as well. Last year’s total of only 11 judicial confirmations is the lowest in more than 50 years (and there were a LOT fewer judgeships to fill back then).
Fortunately, President Obama and the White House are continuing to take their responsibilities seriously. Just today, Obama nominated federal district court judge Lucy Koh of California to fill a vacancy on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Two weeks ago, he nominated judge Abdul Kallon of Alabama to fill a longtime vacancy on the Eleventh Circuit. In January, he nominated Jennifer Kelmetsrud Puhl of North Dakota to serve on the Eighth Circuit, as well as Donald Schott of Wisconsin and Myra Selby of Indiana for the Seventh Circuit. The president is also continuing to make nominations for federal district courts, as well.
The White House does not need to be told to #DoYourJob. They’re already doing it, just as the Constitution contemplates. Now Senate Republicans need to do their jobs on staffing our federal district courts, circuit courts, and, of course, the Supreme Court.