Garland could be stuck in Senate limbo for a few more weeks

Merrick GarlandMerrick Brian GarlandGraham rejects request for confirmation of Merrick Garland’s hearing on February 8 Durbin for Graham: ‘Regrettable’ no hearing so far for Garland. Democrats consider expanding lower courts after Trump blitz MORE, President Biden’s choice to head the Justice Department, could stay in Senate limbo for several more weeks, as Republicans say they will not agree to prosecute Biden’s nominees during this week’s budget debate or at the trial of next week’s impeachment.

It’s a strange feeling of déjà vu for Garland, whose appointment to the Supreme Court was suppressed in the Senate for almost a year in 2016, when Republicans refused to give him an audience because they argued that the winner of that year’s presidential election should fill the vacancy left by the death of conservative minister Antonin Scalia.

President of the newly created Senate Judiciary Committee Dick DurbinDick DurbinOn The Money: Biden calls Dems and asks for a big COVID account | SEC’s Biden picks up as GameStop drama unfolds | Bezos is stepping down as DOJ CEO of Amazon, the FBI lobbied by the Senate judiciary for answers about Capitol disturbances. Senate Democrats take the first step toward the big COVID-19 bill MORE (D-Ill.) He says he will ask the Republicans for consent to hold a hearing for Garland on February 8, but he is not expected to obtain it, as he would need the consent of the Republican members of the Judiciary Committee to waive the committee rules that require hearings. scheduled one week in advance.

“I’m going to see if Senator Grassley and I can reach an agreement,” said Durbin, referring to the senator. Chuck GrassleyChuck GrassleyDOJ, FBI lobbied by the Senate judiciary for answers about Capitol disturbances. The Senate confirms Biden’s DHS choice after the Republican Party’s delay. Democrats face difficulties in running for Ohio Senate seat MORE (R-Iowa), which is taking over as a minority member of the Judiciary panel.

Republicans are blaming Democrats for Garland’s assault, arguing that his decision to move forward with a party budget resolution – which would allow the Senate to pass a COVID-19 relief bill with a simple majority later this year – and hold a second trial impeachment for the former President TrumpDonald TrumpGeorgia State Secretary opens investigation into Lin Wood over allegations of illegal Schiff voting lobbying for Newsom to be named California AG it will force them to oppose other businesses.

“Democrats chose the agenda and chose to resolve the budget, so if there is a delay in the nomination it is because it is your choice,” said the senator. John CornynJohn CornynSenate confirms Biden’s DHS choice after the Republican Party’s delay. Democrats are considering expanding the lower courts after Trump’s blitz. Biden reignites immigration fight in Congress MORE (R-Texas).

Cornyn said it would take unanimous consent to prosecute Biden’s nominees during the budget debate and added “it can’t be during impeachment”.

“This is what I don’t understand, frankly, about some of the decisions they make, because while they say they need to get the administration up and running and some people are confirmed, they are the only major deterrent to that. ”

The Senate is scheduled to go into recess during the week of February 15, which means that Garland may not win confirmation until the last week of February.

Durbin said this could pose a threat to national security.

“It is the last important element of our national security team. I think it should be a high priority, ”he said.

Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Jon TesterJonathan (Jon) Morning report from TesterThe Hill – Presented by Facebook – Biden, Republican Party senators start talking; Dems advance Pressure increases Manchin to support Biden assistance project Biden faces a crossroads in virus relief bill MORE (D-Mont.) He said on Tuesday that Republicans had finished processing Biden’s nominees in the next two weeks before recess.

This means that Denis McDonoughDenis Richard McDonoughOvernight Defense: Biden warns of sanctions after coup in Myanmar | Biden asks Supreme Court to cancel arguments over border wall Dem calls for social media screening of soldiers This week: Biden and Democrats face decision on coronavirus relief Night defense: Biden administration stops UAE arms sales Pentagon makes the switch climate national security priority | The appointed VA secretary navigates listening to MORE, Biden’s choice to head the Veterans Affairs Department may also be in limbo. His nomination was unanimously withdrawn from the Veterans Affairs Committee.

“I talked to Chuck about it … McConnell said we are not going to make any statements during budget resolution or impeachment,” said Tester, referring to the Senate Minority Leader message Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGreene future on House committees in limbo after Republican Party meeting. Party lawmaker pressures measures to remove Omar from the Foreign Affairs panel. House Republicans prepare for meeting amid party civil war MORE (R-Ky.) Relayed to the Senate majority leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerCapitol Officer Brian Sicknick is honored at the Roundabout Democrats offer resolution denouncing white supremacists before Trump’s trial. Lobby World MORE (DN.Y.).

“Except because he can do that, I don’t know why he would do that,” said Tester of McConnell blocking Biden’s nominees for the next two weeks.