Special Poll
Senate Republicans voiced frustration after several GOP members missed key votes, allowing Democrats to advance judicial nominees in a final effort to secure lifetime appointments before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The absences, including Vice President-elect JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio, paved the way for Democratic-backed judges to be approved late Monday night, sparking tension within the party.
Republicans had hoped to stall Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s push to confirm over a dozen judicial nominees, aiming to block Democrats from finalizing one of their major priorities before relinquishing control at the end of the year. However, their efforts were undercut by the absence of several GOP senators, which allowed Democrats to move forward.
Votes stretched late into the night, with Vance and Rubio among those notably absent. Rubio, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, was a focal point of criticism during the Republicans’ weekly policy lunch on Tuesday. Many GOP senators expressed anger and disappointment over what they saw as a lack of urgency at a critical time.
Senator Thom Tillis voiced his frustrations, emphasizing the importance of attendance during the remaining legislative days. “If we don’t show up, we lose,” Tillis said, clearly irritated by the absences. “There’s nothing more important. You have to show up. Period.” He warned that continued absences could allow Democrats to confirm additional judges, pointing to a nominee for the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals as an example of the stakes involved.
One of the confirmed nominees was Embry Kidd, who secured a position on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in a 49-45 vote. Despite the tight margin, Senator Joe Manchin, an Independent from West Virginia, broke ranks and voted against Kidd’s confirmation. Still, the lack of GOP attendance provided Democrats the votes they needed to push through the nomination.
The episode highlights growing tensions within the Republican Party as they prepare for a shift in power. With fewer than 15 legislative days remaining, many members are urging greater discipline and participation to prevent further losses on judicial appointments that could shape the courts for decades.