President Joe Biden is celebrating the confirmation of his 150th federal judicial nominee, calling it an “important milestone” as he seeks to leave his mark on the judiciary. 

What You Need To Know

  • President Joe Biden is celebrating the confirmation of his 150th federal judicial nominee
  • The president cemented the 150 number on Tuesday night following the Democratic-led Senate’s approval of Kenly Kiya Kato and Julia Kobick as district court judges in California and Massachusetts respectively 
  • The president has emphasized the diversity of his choices, with the White House on Tuesday night noting Biden appointed the first Black woman to the high court in Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as well as more Black women to the federal bench in general than any previous administration

The president cemented the 150 number on Tuesday night following the Democratic-led Senate’s approval of Kenly Kiya Kato and Julia Kobick as district court judges in California and Massachusetts, respectively. 

“One of the greatest responsibilities a President has is the appointment of federal judges,” Biden said in a statement. “These judges – confirmed for life – play an integral part in our everyday lives.”

The Democratic president has sought to leave an impact on the judiciary, following former President Donald Trump’s three appointments to the Supreme Court – a move that helped pave the way for contentious decisions that have drawn the ire of the Biden administration. 

Specifically, the president has emphasized the diversity of his choices, with the White House on Tuesday night noting Biden appointed the first Black woman to the high court in Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as well as more Black women to the federal bench in general than any previous administration. 

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., pointed out the 150 milestone also marked the 100th female judge confirmed by the Senate – under Schumer’s own leadership – during Biden’s presidency.

“All of these men and women are highly qualified, faithful to the rule of law, and dedicated to the Constitution,” Biden said of his appointments. “They come from backgrounds that have for far too long been underrepresented on the bench – from labor and immigration attorneys to public defenders and civil rights lawyers.”

The Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell made it a priority during Trump’s presidency to work with the White House to secure appointments of conservative federal judges. During tenure in the Oval Office, he appointed nearly as many federal appeals court judges in four years as former President Barack Obama did in eight years, according to Pew Research Center. 

Despite Democrats’ control of the Senate, the confirmation of Biden’s judicial nominees were held up earlier this year amid Sen. Dianne Feinstein's, D-Calif., weekslong absence from Congress due to an illness. Feinstein sat on the judiciary committee and her absence meant Democrats could not move forward with any nominees without Republican support. Feinstein later returned to Washington before her death in September. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pick to replace Feinstein, Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., has also taken the late senator’s place on the judiciary committee.  

"We have more work to do, and I am committed to filling every judicial vacancy with apointees whose credentials, ability, and impartiality are beyond question," Biden said in his statement.