GOP Again Rushing Judicial Nominations

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 22 – In response to the announcement by Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley that confirmation hearings for two nominees for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Timothy Kelly and Trevor McFadden, will have confirmation hearings on June 28, AFJ President Nan Aron issued the following statement:

“Once again, Senate Republicans are determined to rush this administration’s nominees through the confirmation process without adequate time for vetting. This hearing for lifetime appointments to the federal bench is being scheduled for just over two weeks after receipt of the nominees’ comprehensive questionnaires – nowhere near enough time for senators or the public to fully examine their records. This is especially troubling in the case of one nominee, Trevor McFadden, whose record already reveals some troubling statements and positions regarding issues of corporate power and inhumane treatment of inmates. McFadden has also provided unusually scant information about his work in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General at the Department of Justice. But Republicans seem determined to confirm nominees virtually overnight in an attempt to prevent their qualifications – or lack of them – from being subjected to the proper scrutiny.”