‘Conveyor belt of radicals’: GOP slammed over Senate absences that helped Biden score more judges in lame duck

JD Vance, the incoming Vice President, has been playing a crucial role in helping nominees navigate the Senate and ensure the smooth confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration picks. The Senate Republicans recently faced criticism for several vote absences that allowed Democrats to confirm judges and end debate on nominees that could have been blocked otherwise.

One significant vote was for a lifetime appointment to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court, a coveted appeals court slot that Democrats did not have the votes to confirm. However, due to the absence of Senators Mike Braun, Steve Daines, Bill Hagerty, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio, the nominee was confirmed by a narrow margin.

Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the Republicans for their absences, highlighting the importance of showing up and voting. Mike Davis, a former chief counsel for nominations, emphasized the need for Senate Republicans to stop radical left-wing judges from getting confirmed.

Vance, as the co-chairman of the transition, has been focused on ensuring that President Trump’s government is fully staffed with individuals who support his agenda. Despite facing criticism for taking part in Senate votes during the lame duck period, Vance is determined to block radical judges from getting confirmed.

Vance’s spokesperson, Brian Hughes, emphasized the importance of not allowing radical left judges to be jammed through the Senate at the last minute. Vance has been actively participating in pivotal votes, even when some Republicans were absent.

While some Senators like Cruz and Braun were absent due to prior commitments or travel issues, their absence allowed Democrats to secure confirmations for judicial nominees. However, Senate Minority Whip John Thune applied pressure to absent senators, resulting in a deal with Schumer to secure valuable circuit court vacancies for Trump.

In conclusion, JD Vance’s active involvement in Senate votes and his dedication to blocking radical judges from getting confirmed demonstrate his commitment to upholding President Trump’s agenda. His efforts have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition and confirmation process for the incoming administration.