This week, Senator Schumer announced that the Senate will be in session this October. Typically, senators use October as a time to campaign in their home states during election years. Senator Schumer’s announcement is great news for judicial nominations because it means more time to move nominees through to confirmation. Now, let’s keep the pressure on to prioritize judicial nominations before the end of the year.
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The Good News
Just this month, the Senate has confirmed seven federal judicial nominees. That’s the most nominees confirmed in one month since March of this year – and the month isn’t over yet! The newest additions to the federal bench are:
We look forward to the confirmation of more judges this month. As we near the end of the year, it is critical that this pace continues and even picks up. With 20 pending on the floor and 26 awaiting a hearing, there’s still much more work to do! |
Pay Attention
This week was a great week for disability advocacy and visibility on the federal bench. On Wednesday, September 21st, the Senate Judiciary Committee (SJC) held a hearing for a number of stellar judicial nominees. In addition to Julie Rikelman nominated to the First Circuit, a formidable constitutional law and reproductive rights champion, the panel also included the exceptional civil rights attorney Jamal Whitehead, nominated to the Western District of Washington, and Justice Maria Araujo Kahn, nominated to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals. They will both bring their experience in disability advocacy to the bench.
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Jamal Whitehead has litigated many disability discrimination cases on behalf of both individual plaintiffs and the federal government throughout his career in public service and private practice, including as a federal litigator with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission where he enforced federal employment discrimination laws. He is currently a trial attorney at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, where he regularly represents victims of workplace discrimination and unfair labor practices. Whitehead, who is Black and who uses a prosthetic leg, is the first person with a disability nominated to the federal bench by President Biden.
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Prior to becoming a judge, Justice Maria Araujo Kahn served in the Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities where she represented her clients in civil rights litigation. Notably, she initiated the investigation and filing of a case on behalf of the Connecticut Association of the Deaf against multiple Connecticut hospitals that failed to provide reasonable accommodations. The case ultimately ushered in a statewide interpreter system and was recognized by the Department of Justice as a leading case under the ADA.
The breadth of talent and life experience represented by this panel is historic. We will continue to watch the progression of these nominees through the committee and onto the Senate floor. |
What's Next
We will be watching attendance on the Senate floor this fall and advocating for additional nominations hearings and floor votes whenever possible to clear the deck awaiting final confirmation votes.
And as we approach November, it is important to note that there will be important state supreme court elections taking place. State supreme courts are now the courts of last resort on many important issues like democracy and reproductive rights. Check out our State Courts Hub to learn more. |
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Alliance for Justice
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