With 19 superb candidates for the federal bench who have cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee with strong bipartisan support, there is no reason to keep these well-qualified nominees in an endless holding pattern any longer.

The Senate returns to session today to approve a deal struck by the Obama Administration and congressional leaders to end a partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration. The deal will be approved by unanimous consent, a procedure that requires the presence of only a few Senators as long as there are no objections. However, the FAA resolution need not be the only item on the agenda, according to Marge Baker, executive vice president at People For the American Way:

“The Senate has a perfect opportunity to overcome politically motivated Republican obstruction and act on outstanding judicial nominations. With 19 superb candidates for the federal bench who have cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee with strong bipartisan support, there is no reason to keep these well-qualified nominees in an endless holding pattern any longer.

“The practice of confirming consensus nominations by unanimous consent is well established, and the Senate should not hesitate to utilize this opportunity. The American people simply cannot wait any longer for access to justice in a court of law.”