Roll Call is reporting that Arizona Senator Jeff Flake (R) is holding up 11th Circuit Court nominee Britt Grant of Georgia. Why? He’s not saying publicly, but it sounds like it has nothing to do with Grant herself. It’s no secret that Senator Flake never boarded the Trump Train, so his resistance to anything or anyone associated or nominated by President Donald Trump isn’t shocking.
Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson confronted his colleague about the issue saying it was irresponsible use of Senate privilege to block Grant. From Roll Call:
Isakson said he believes in using the hold only when it’s absolutely essential. “I went and confronted him and said I really needed him to let her go. She’s a terrific judge,” he said. “[Flake] has no reason for her not to go forward.”
Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) gave positive remarks on Grant and her nomination, but never called for a vote. Chairman Grassley said that his staff indicated that they didn’t have the votes to proceed last week, but Grant’s nomination could be up for a vote later week as she is on the agenda for the Committee.