President Barack Obama has already confirmed more circuit judges than his two predecessors did by the end of their sixth year in office, thanks in large part to Senate Democrats nuking the 60-vote threshold in November for most nominees.
Before the Senate left town for recess last week, it confirmed the president’s 52nd circuit nominee, Pamela Harris, to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, by a vote of 50-43.
At the end of his sixth year, George W. Bush confirmed 51 circuit judges; Bill Clinton confirmed 50 circuit judges.
The Senate has been historically unproductive in the 113th Congress but Democrats have worked to speedily confirm Obama nominees before the November elections, when Republicans have a serious chance at regaining control.
Harris was also the 22nd female appellate judge appointed by Obama, the highest for any president.
