Senate Confirms Nina Pillard To D.C. Circuit Court In Late-Night Session

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM

SAHIL KAPUR – DECEMBER 12, 2013, 9:03 AM EST

The Senate voted 51-44 early Thursday morning, around 1 a.m., to confirm Nina Pillard to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals after Republicans, angry about filibuster reform, forced an all-night session and pushed the vote at the last possible moment.

Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin (WV), Mark Pryor (AR) and Joe Donnelly (IN) voted with Republicans against the confirmation.

Pillard, a law professor at Georgetown, became a judge after Patricia Millett was confirmed earlier this week to the powerful court, which looms large in President Barack Obama's second term. The two were confirmed as a result of to Democrats' decision to trigger the nuclear option and eliminate the 60-vote threshold for presidential nominees other than the Supreme Court.

"I thank the Senate for confirming Nina Pillard to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which for the first time, will have five active female judges on the bench," Obama said in a statement. "Throughout her career, Ms. Pillard has displayed an unwavering commitment to justice and integrity. Her landmark accomplishments on behalf of women and families include Supreme Court cases defending the constitutionality of the Family and Medical Leave Act and opening the doors of the Virginia Military Institute to female students. I’m confident she will be a diligent, thoughtful and judicious addition to the D.C. Circuit."

:::snip:::



Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/senate-confirms-nina-pillard-to-d-c-circuit-court-in-late-night-session

[yeoman6987]

1. Senate 2014

We better keep the Senate. Can you imagine the Right Wing Wackos that are going to be confirmed with a Republican Senate. I shutter the thought. We must fight like it is the last election in 2014.

[WilliamPitt]

2. " Can you imagine the Right Wing Wackos that are going to be confirmed with a Republican Senate"

Um...nominated by whom, exactly?

[Coyotl]

5. Not to mention, there won't be another Republican Senate, ever.

Republicans are a self-immolation party at this point. They are even alienating seniors, one of their once-reliable voting blocks.

[cosmicone]

3. Obama still has to nominate. n/t

[yeoman6987]

8. Oh Thank God I forgot that!

Your post puts me at ease. Some are saying that Republicans will never hold the Senate again. I am not that confident especially next year. However, your post I completely forgot about. Thank the Lord!!!!!

[Coyotl]

4. The Republicans continue to obstruct democracy any which way they can.

[starroute]

6. Why would Manchin and Pryor vote against her?

I understand that they're from red states and need to appear conservative on social issues. But why vote against a generally uncontroversial presidential nominee? It doesn't seem like it would gain them any advantage with their constituents.

[Lochloosa]

7. A deal was made. They counted votes and told them to vote how they wanted. 51 was enough