Republicans’ lame-duck dash to confirm judges is already hitting speed bumps

Key Points:

• With Democrats set to take control of the Senate in January, Republicans are rushing to confirm around two dozen of President Trump's judicial nominees before the transition, intensifying clashes between the White House and GOP senators over candidate selections.
• Republican infighting has emerged, notably over nominees like Zachary West for Oklahoma and Lee Rudofsky for Arkansas, with home state senators opposing some picks, leading to delays and reversals in the confirmation process.
• The compressed timeline has prompted Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley to accelerate hearings and votes despite Democratic accusations of breaking Senate norms, as Republicans aim to confirm as many judges as possible before Democrats assume control.
• Democrats are expected to use procedural tactics to slow confirmations once in control, potentially requiring extended floor debate time for appeals court nominees, complicating the Senate's ability to process judicial appointments efficiently.
• The outcome of these confirmations is significant, as Trump's judicial appointees, particularly on appeals courts, could shape the legal landscape for years, acting as a check on future Democratic policies if the GOP regains power.