John,

As we continue to face challenges from Republicans looking to shape the judicial system in its favor, it is essential that we call upon our Senate Democratic leadership to do away with a little-known antiquated rule that is preventing progress by tilting the courts toward a clear right-wing bias: the blue slip process.

Blue slips are a century-old Senate custom that mandates that both senators from a nominee's home state must submit their approval of a judicial nominee by returning a blue-colored form to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

This tradition has been abused by Republicans in the past to obstruct qualified nominees, resulting in a more politically polarized and gridlocked judiciary because it gives them a de facto veto power that allows a single senator to effectively block a nomination.

By removing this unnecessary roadblock, we can create a more efficient and fair confirmation process, allowing for a judiciary that better reflects the diversity and values of our nation.

Sign the petition to Senate Democratic leadership: Do away with blue slips and confirm all of Biden’s judicial nominees who are committed to civil and human rights, and to equality and justice for all.

A judiciary that is committed to upholding civil and human rights is essential for the proper functioning of our democracy because, over the years, landmark decisions have been made by the federal courts to protect the rights of marginalized communities, dismantle segregation, and ensure equal treatment under the law, from Brown v. Board of Education to Roe V Wade and Obergefell v. Hodge.

Now, in the face of numerous attacks from an increasingly right-wing judicial system, we need a heightened awareness about the various ways extremists block progress toward equality and justice for all.

That’s why we must hold our elected officials accountable and demand a fair and impartial judiciary by getting rid of arcane rules that aren’t actually a requirement of Senate judicial business.

The bottom line is that the blue slip tradition has long been a hindrance to progress and has allowed far-right extremists to obstruct the confirmation of qualified judicial nominees.

Urge Senate Democratic leadership to do away with the blue slip tradition and confirm all of President Biden's judicial nominees who are committed to civil and human rights, and to equality and justice for all.

Let us come together to ensure that Senate Democratic leadership takes the necessary steps to confirm President Biden's judicial nominees.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund