The post-judicial filibusters era is off to a rousing start with the Senate confirmation Tuesday of Patricia Millett, of Alexandria to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
The Senate voted 56-38 to confirm Millett, who was blocked by a Republican filibuster on Oct. 31 in a move that prompted Senate Democrats to push for a rules change blocking filibusters on judicial nominees save for those on the Supreme Court.
Sen. Tim Kaine was outspoken in his criticism of the filibuster that blocked Millett on Halloween. Today, Kaine was full of praise for the decision to confirm her for the appeals court.
“With Pattie Millett’s confirmation to the D.C. Circuit, the court gains a supremely qualified jurist with a strong record of bipartisan public service under both Democratic and Republican administrations,” Kaine said. “Pattie’s career has prepared her well for this post and I was honored to introduce her at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. On top of her impressive career and educational experience, Pattie is a proud military spouse who will represent the unique perspective of military families.”