WASHINGTON: The Democratic-led Senate confirmed the 235th federal judge nominated by President Joe Biden, a milestone by giving the incumbent White House occupant another layer of protection from former President Donald Trump. The latest confirmation could be Biden’s last, meaning he leaves office with one Supreme Court justice, 45 appeals court judges, 187 district court judges and two justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the vote “historic” because some of the applause in the Senate chamber caused the gallery to collapse. The majority has now confirmed more judges under President Biden than any majority has confirmed in decades. “It’s historic,” he said.
“We have confirmed more judges under the Trump administration, more judges than any administration in this century, more judges than any administration in decades ago,” said Judiciary Committee member Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. All will serve lifetime appointments, making them the safest part of Biden’s legacy, which will be partially unlocked by Trump as he returns to the White House and his party takes control of the Senate next month. “These men and women have the power to uphold or abrogate fundamental rights,” the White House said in a fact sheet. President Biden is proud of his record of appointments and grateful for the Senate’s partnership to reach this historic milestone.