Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding the confirmation of judicial nominees, highlighting the nomination of Whitney Hermandorfer to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit. Thune expressed enthusiasm for advancing President Trump's judicial nominations.

Thune noted that one of the achievements of Trump's first term was confirming 234 judges to the federal bench, addressing over 100 vacancies at the start of his administration. He emphasized the importance of appointing judges who interpret laws based on facts and legal criteria rather than political preferences.

"Our interest was in putting judges on the bench who would look at the law, the Constitution, and the facts of the case, and rule based on those criteria – and nothing else," said Thune.

He criticized Democrats for preferring judges aligned with their policy preferences and highlighted concerns about politicizing and delegitimizing courts. "Equal justice under the law can only be maintained as long as judges actually rule based on the law," he stated.

Thune acknowledged that there are currently around 50 vacancies on the federal bench, compared to a larger number during Trump's first term. He stressed continuing efforts to fill these positions with qualified judges like Hermandorfer.

"Madam President, I’m grateful to Leader McConnell and Judiciary chairmen Chuck Grassley and Lindsey Graham for their incredible efforts during President Trump’s first term," he concluded, expressing gratitude towards key figures involved in past confirmations.