6:11 p.m. By voice votes, the Senate confirmed the nominations of Mary S. McElroy to be a U.S. District Court judge for the District of Rhode Island and Stephanie A. Gallagher to be a U.S. District Court judge for the District of Maryland.
McElroy was originally nominated by President Obama on September 8, 2015, her nomination expiring toward’s the end of his presidency without a vote, due to Republican intransigence. President Trump renominated her on April 12, 2018, her nomination failing without a vote due to Democratic intransigence. On April 8, 2019, she was renominated, her nomination finally being confirmed tonight via a voice vote with no opposition whatsoever.
Gallagher’s experience was similar, being originally nominated by President Obama on September 8, 2015, her renomination dates being slightly different. But in the end, she was confirmed tonight by voice vote with absolutely no opposition.
Both SHOULD have been confirmed almost 4 years ago, shortly after their nominations, neither ever having received opposition. But they were ****** over by Republicans to the tune of 2 years and ****** over by Democrats to the tune of 2 more years.
Meanwhile, the people of Maryland and Rhode Island were made to suffer a completely unnecessary judicial vacancy so both parties could act like petulant brats.
Gallagher is in her late 40’s and McElroy is in her early 50’s, so both should enjoy relatively long tenures on the United States District Court.
McElroy should be able to take up her duties almost immediately, Gallagher likely within a week. Lots of backlog to slog through.
Congratulations to both and I think both will be glad they stuck it out.
Congratulations to the 4 other judicial nominees confirmed this evening.
