The panel voted 18-0 to clear Srinivasan for a seat on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals that was vacated by now-Chief Justice John Roberts. The court has four vacancies and no one has been confirmed to it since 2006.
The vote is a good sign for Srinivasan’s chances of confirmation on the Senate floor. Republicans, who filibustered Obama’s previous nominee to the court, Caitlin Halligan, do not appear to be planning to filibuster Srinivasan.
Srinivasan, who is currently the second-ranked lawyer in the U.S. Solicitor General’s office, is supported by legal stars across the spectrum, including conservative luminaries Paul Clement and Ted Olson. Conservative members of the committee asked him tough questions but appeared impressed with him during his hearing.
The White House has been doing considerable heavy lifting to ensure Srinivasan’s confirmation, as part of its effort to fill judicial vacancies.
