Republicans in the Senate Judiciary Committee advance the nomination of Emil Bove, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, while Democrats stage a walkout during the proceedings
In a divisive turn of events, the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Republicans, has voted 12-0 to favourably report the nomination of Emil Bove to the full Senate for a potential seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. The vote took place on Thursday, July 18, 2025, following a contentious hearing marked by strong opposition from Democrats [1][2].
Emil Bove, a senior Justice Department official and former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, is now one step closer to a lifetime appointment to the federal bench. However, his confirmation by the full Senate remains uncertain given the potential for defections within the GOP [1][2][3][4].
The vote came despite severe concerns raised by Democrats about Bove's temperament, ethics, and fitness for the role. Some described the process as rushed and lacking transparency. Notably, every Democratic senator walked out during the vote in protest, with Sen. Cory Booker among those participating [1].
The Senate Judiciary Committee's GOP majority backed Bove despite opposition from former federal prosecutors, judges, and allegations of unethical conduct raised by a Justice Department whistleblower. The confirmation, if successful, would see Bove appointed to the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals [1][2].
The confirmation process for Bove is ongoing, with the full Senate yet to vote on his nomination. Bove would need at least 51 votes to be confirmed, given the Republicans' narrow 53-seat majority in the Senate [1][2][3][4].
The latest development in the confirmation process has sparked controversy and divided opinions, with the focus of protests during the vote falling on Committee chair Chuck Grassley. If confirmed, Bove would join the federal judiciary, adding another significant step to his already distinguished legal career.
[1] ABC News. (2025). Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Emil Bove's Nomination. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/senate-judiciary-committee-advances-emil-boves-nomination/story?id=9094800
[2] The New York Times. (2025). Emil Bove's Nomination to the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals Advances. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/18/us/politics/emil-bove-nomination.html
[3] The Washington Post. (2025). Emil Bove's Nomination to the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/18/emil-bove-nomination-to-3rd-us-circuit-court-of-appeals/
[4] CNN. (2025). Emil Bove's Nomination to the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals: A Look at the Controversy. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/politics/2025/07/18/emil-bove-nomination-to-3rd-us-circuit-court-of-appeals/index.html
In the midst of division and heated discussions, the fate of Emil Bove's potential appointment to the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals continues to be a matter of policy-and-legislation, with his confirmation vote still pending in the full Senate. General news sources report that despite Democractic opposition and concerns over Bove's ethics and fitness, the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Republicans, remains in favor of his nomination.
