Senate Panel Advances Emil Bove Court Nomination

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Emil Bove's nomination to the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals despite a partisan walkout by Democrats, who accused Chairman Chuck Grassley of breaking procedural rules. Bove, a former personal attorney to Donald Trump and senior Justice Department official, faces opposition from over 900 former DOJ attorneys and advocacy groups who cite concerns about his judgment and conduct, including allegations of suggesting defiance of deportation court orders and involvement in controversial case dismissals. Republicans dismissed these concerns as politically motivated and emphasized Bove’s prosecutorial experience. The committee's action sends the nomination to the full Senate, where Democrats warn of further procedural challenges. If confirmed, Bove would receive a lifetime appointment to a court covering Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The controversy centers on claims of compromised judicial independence and the role of political loyalty.