Senate Confirms Two Powerful Conservatives To Judgeships
The U.S. Senate confirmed two Trump judicial nominees confirmed for federal judgeships on Thursday. The nominees are Brian Lea and Justin Olson.
The Senate voted 50-46 to confirm Brian Lea. Additionally, lawmakers voted 50-47 to confirm Justin Olson.
Trump Judicial Nominees Confirmed in Senate Votes
The confirmations occurred under Republican leadership in the Senate. Both votes followed strict party lines.
Moreover, the decisions increased the total number of Trump judicial nominees confirmed to 33 in his second term. The move strengthens his conservative influence on the judiciary.
Background of Trump Judicial Nominees Confirmed
Brian Lea serves as a Justice Department attorney. He previously clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Lea also worked as a partner at Jones Day before joining the Justice Department. However, most of his legal career took place in Georgia.
Justin Olson’s Legal Work
Trump nominated Justin Olson in November. He works as a lawyer at Kroger Gardis & Regas.
Olson represented former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines in a lawsuit. The case challenged NCAA policies on transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Senate Hearing and Questions
During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on December 17, Olson faced questions from Senator John Kennedy. Kennedy asked about sermons Olson delivered as an ordained elder.
The remarks discussed premarital sex and marriage roles. However, Kennedy later supported Olson’s nomination.
Additional Federal Judge Confirmation
Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed Edmund “Eddie” LaCour Jr. as a federal judge. He will serve in the Northern District of Alabama.
LaCour previously worked as Alabama Solicitor General under Attorney General Steve Marshall. He also argued the case Allen v. Milligan before the U.S. Supreme Court.
