As we transition from one presidential term to another, the political landscape is often rife with last-minute legislative and administrative actions. In the current lame duck session, President Joe Biden’s administration is pushing forward with judicial nominations, an effort that has sparked considerable debate. Here’s why voters and concerned citizens might want to urge their Senators to vote against these nominations.
The Context of Lame Duck Sessions
A lame duck session refers to the period between the election of new officials and their assumption of office. During this time, the outgoing administration has an opportunity to influence policy through appointments, legislation, or executive actions.
- Historical Precedent: Lame duck sessions have previously been used to confirm judicial nominees, but they’ve also been criticized for lacking the democratic legitimacy when significant changes are made after the public has voted for change.
Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Call to Action
Senator Warren’s recent statement underscores the urgency felt by some Democrats to secure Biden’s judicial picks before the power shift:
- Warren’s Perspective: She advocates for utilizing every moment of the current session to confirm judges and regulators, emphasizing that these positions are lifetime appointments, thereby locking in policy directions that cannot be easily altered by the incoming administration.
The Argument for Rejection
- Public Mandate: Critics argue that the election results on November 5th signaled a rejection of the policies associated with the Biden-Harris administration. Therefore, pushing through more judicial nominations could be seen as contrary to the electorate’s desire for a change in direction.
- Philosophical and Ideological Concerns: There’s contention over whether these nominees adhere to a judicial philosophy that aligns with the incoming Trump administration’s agenda. Many of these judges might be considered “activists” by conservative standards, potentially influencing law in ways that the new administration and its supporters disagree with.
- Fair Play in Politics: Some argue that there’s an unwritten rule of political etiquette where the outgoing administration should not make significant appointments or changes in policy that would bind the hands of the incoming one, especially when the public has chosen a new political direction.
The Call to Action
- Engage Your Senators: The message being broadcast by various groups and individuals is clear: contact your U.S. Senators and urge them to oppose these nominations. Here are the steps:
- Identify Your Senators: Use resources like the official Senate website to find your state’s senators.
- Communicate: Write, call, or use social media to express your views. Emphasize the need for a “clean slate” for President-elect Trump, reflecting the will of the voters.
- Highlight the Election: Remind them that the recent election results suggest a shift in public sentiment, which should be honored by not allowing these last-minute nominations to proceed
- Stay Vigilant: Encourage vigilance over the holiday period. Political activities don’t take breaks, and neither should the efforts to influence policy decisions.
The push by the Biden administration to confirm judicial nominees during the lame duck session places Senators at a crossroads. This is not just about political maneuvering; it’s about respecting the democratic process where the incoming administration should have the influence to shape the judiciary in alignment with the voters’ choice. As the session unfolds, the decisions made will have long-term implications for the judicial system, and hence, it’s imperative for citizens to voice their perspectives. Whether you agree with the nominations or not, engaging with your elected officials ensures that your voice is part of the democratic dialogue, especially in these pivotal moments of transition. Take action via the Article III Project below!