Halt Confirmation Hearings During Recess

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 15, 2018 – Republican leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee has not yet postponed confirmation hearings scheduled this Wednesday and next Wednesday for a number of lower court nominees, although the Senate is currently away on an extended recess. Meanwhile, Democrats on the Judiciary Committee today asked Chairman Grassley to reschedule the hearings, citing the unprecedented nature of hearings during such a recess and without minority party consent. AFJ President Nan Aron released the following statement:

“Holding a judicial confirmation hearing that virtually no Senators can attend makes a mockery of the Senate’s advise and consent duty, but it’s also more proof that Republicans are ready to go to any extreme to jam through as many judicial nominations as possible, while nobody’s looking. We support Democrats who are standing up for their rights and calling for the hearings to be postponed until the Senate is actually in session.”