Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated a historic milestone Tuesday, highlighting the confirmation of 235 federal judges under President Joe Biden’s administration — the most lifetime judicial appointments under any recent president in a single term.
Speaking at a White House event alongside President Biden and Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin, Schumer praised the accomplishment as a cornerstone of the administration’s legacy.
“With President Biden working by our side, Senate Democrats have confirmed 235 judges—more than any majority has confirmed in decades. This is historic!” Schumer said. “We’ve confirmed more judges than were confirmed under the previous administration, something no one thought we could do.”
Schumer emphasized the critical timing of these appointments, noting that the judiciary will play a pivotal role in safeguarding democracy amid rising concerns about threats to democratic norms and institutions.
“These judges will be a barrier against attacks on our democratic institutions,” Schumer said. “At the district level, these judges will have the first and often decisive impact on cases involving voting rights and elections and democracy writ large.”
The Senate Majority Leader also commended the diversity of the appointees, noting their representation better reflects the makeup of the nation.
In his remarks, Schumer credited Chairman Durbin for his persistence in pushing through confirmations and thanked Vice President Kamala Harris for casting critical tie-breaking votes on closely contested nominations. He also acknowledged the bipartisan cooperation from some Republican Senators that contributed to the confirmations.
President Biden, taking the podium after Schumer, echoed the sentiment, calling the judicial confirmations one of the defining achievements of his presidency.
Schumer concluded by underscoring the lasting impact of the appointments. “These judges will be the shield that protects our democracy,” he said.
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