I’m sure some of you are wondering whether Senator McConnell’s continued obstruction of Senate business over that body’s failure to confirm judges to the federal bench is really a big deal. I mean, come on! It’s an election year – what do you expect?
Well, here are some key stats that demonstrate just how far the Senate is behind:
Key Statistics on Judicial Confirmations for the 110th Congress
(Current As of June 10, 2008)
CIRCUIT COURT VACANCIES
11 Circuit Court vacancies with 10 nominees: 7 nominees are judicial emergencies: 1 judicial emergency does not have a nominee
Circuit Court Confirmations During Final 2 Years of Presidency (Average 24):
- 8 – Bush (thus far in 110th)
- 15 – Clinton
- 20 – Bush I
- 17 – Reagan
- 44 – Carter
Circuit Court Confirmations During Presidency (Average 62, including 1 term presidents):
- 59 – Bush (7 years)
- 65 – Clinton (8 years)
- 42 – Bush I (4 years)
- 83 – Reagan (8 years)
- 56 – Carter (4 years)
DISTRICT COURT VACANCIES
33 District Court vacancies with 18 nominees; plus 1 nominee to a future vacancy: 7 nominees are judicial emergencies; 2 judicial emergencies do not have nominees
District Court Confirmations During Final 2 Years of Presidency (Average 94):
- 41 – Bush
- 57 – Clinton
- 100 – Bush I
- 66 – Reagan
- 154 – Carter
District Court Confirmations During Presidency (Average 237, including 1 term presidents):
- 244 – Bush (7 years)
- 305 – Clinton (8 years)
- 148 – Bush I (4 years)
- 290 – Reagan (8 years)
- 206 – Carter (4 years)
SUMMARY
- The Senate must confirm 7 more circuit nominees and 16 more district court nominees this year to match President Clinton’s confirmation numbers during his final two years.
