Senate Confirms Benjamin Cheeks as Judge

The Senate has confirmed Benjamin Cheeks as a U.S. district judge in San Diego, marking a significant achievement for Democrats as they near the end of their majority. Cheeks' appointment fills a long-vacant seat and adds to the record number of judges confirmed under President Biden, totaling 235, which is the highest in a single term and emphasizes diversity among appointees. Democrats are pushing to confirm nominees before losing control of the Senate, as exemplified by the failed vote for ten judicial nominees for the D.C. court system, which was blocked by Republican Senator Roger Marshall. The lack of confirmations in D.C. is causing significant delays in the judicial process, affecting ongoing criminal and civil cases. With many judgeships remaining unfilled, Democrats hope to influence federal policies through these lower court appointments as they prepare for a Republican-led Senate. The implications of these judicial confirmations may significantly impact critical issues such as abortion rights and climate change in the coming years.