Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) on Tuesday withdrew a planned vote on the nomination of Mustafa Kasubhai for district court judge in Oregon.
Republicans lined up in opposition to Kasubhai’s nomination and Democratic absences forced Schumer’s hand. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Bob Menendez (DN.J.) were all absent Tuesday, with Menendez absent for weeks due to his trial in New York.
The Democratic leader is expected to try to get Kasubhai’s nomination across the finish line once he has full participation.
Democrats need all the help because Sen. Joe Manchin (IW.Va.) has said he won’t vote for any candidate who doesn’t have bipartisan support. This means they need all 50 remaining Democrats or Independents who vote with the Democrats to be present.
Kasubhai has drawn intense opposition among Republicans, who hope to undermine his nomination. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) criticized Schumer on Monday, saying that instead of using debate time on the annual National Defense Authorization Act, he will “dedicate debate time this week to the latest in the Biden administration’s parade of inappropriate appointments.” to the federal bench.”
“Judge Kasubhai’s judicial record and philosophy place him well outside the mainstream,” McConnell said.
The Republican leader also labeled him a “committed Marxist” who is more interested in “moving mainstream politics” than following the law.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
