A highly controversial judicial nomination cleared a significant hurdle Tuesday afternoon, as Senate Republicans voted to proceed with his nomination.
Emil Bove was nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, a federal appeals court covering Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The nomination was made by President Donald Trump in May.
The Senate voted 50-48 to proceed with his nomination, Politico reported. The vote comes after Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R-IA) paused debate on his nominatio, leading to a confrontation and subsequent walkout from irate Democrats in committee last week.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined Democrats in voting against advancing Bove's nomination.
Bove's nomination has garnered national attention and significant controversy due to his recent roles, including serving as Trump's former personal attorney in high-profile cases and his actions as a senior Justice Department official.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) has said Bove shouldn't be considered for a lifetime appointment.
"He led this administration's embarrassing efforts to strike a corrupt bargain with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and he's been trailed by a history of complaints long predating his affiliation with President Trump about his temperament, poor judgment and lack of candor before the court," Durbin said previously.
