### GOP Absences Enable Senate Democrats to Confirm Biden's Judicial Nominees

Senate Democrats have proceeded with the confirmation of some of President Joe Biden's judicial nominees this week, exploiting the absence of several Republican senators. This comes despite President-elect Donald Trump's call for a total Republican blockade on judicial nominations. The absentees include some prominent Republicans involved with Trump's transition process.

On Monday evening, the Senate narrowly approved Embry Kidd for the 11th Circuit with a 49-45 vote that was mostly along party lines. Independent Sen. Joe Manchin sided with Republicans against the nomination. The absence of five key Republicans, including Vice President-elect JD Vance and Sen. Bill Hagerty, who were at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, contributed to the Democrats' success. Trump had earlier urged Senate Republicans to halt all judicial confirmations during the final weeks of the Biden administration while the Senate remains under Democratic control.

The GOP's presence has been notably inconsistent, resulting in the successful confirmation of several Biden judicial nominees. Conservative activists, particularly Carrie Severino of the Judicial Crisis Network, have criticized Republican senators for failing to show up and participate in the confirmation votes.

A controversial social media spat occurred when JD Vance reacted to criticism from Grace Chong, CFO of Steve Bannon's podcast organization. Vance's since-deleted post defended his absence, claiming he was at Mar-a-Lago discussing potential government positions with Trump, including the FBI Director role. Vance argued that even if all Republicans were present, the Democrats could still have confirmed Kidd with Sen. John Fetterman's vote.

In the subsequent days, more judicial nominees managed to secure pivotal votes due to ongoing Republican absences. On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Sarah Russell for Connecticut's federal trial court with just 50 votes, as several GOP senators, including Vance, were missing again. The absence of Sens. Hagerty and Ted Cruz, who were with Trump watching a SpaceX launch, proved particularly significant.

Despite the fluctuating attendance, more Republicans returned to the Senate on Wednesday, yet Democrats continued to confirm additional nominees due to the continued absence of Sens. Mike Braun and Ted Cruz during some procedural votes. This allowed the confirmation of Rebecca Pennell for the US District Court in the Eastern District of Washington and Amir Ali for DC's federal trial court.

While Trump has publicly criticized the missing Republican senators, urging them to "Show Up and Hold the Line," the confirmations continue to narrow the number of judicial vacancies he will inherit should he reclaim the White House next year. This situation contrasts starkly with the beginning of his first term, where he benefited from over 100 vacancies due to GOP tactics at the end of President Barack Obama's administration.