Cotton Will Block Garland’s Quick Confirmation

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) will slow down the confirmation of Merrick Garland to lead the Department of Justice, Politico reports.

“The hold that Cotton has placed on Garland’s nomination means that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will need to clear a procedural hurdle before a final confirmation vote. Democrats had hoped that Republicans would agree to skip that step, particularly given that several of them — including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell — plan to support the nominee.”

“But with Cotton blocking an agreement and the Senate’s focus on passing Biden’s coronavirus relief package, a final confirmation vote on Garland is expected to occur next week at the earliest.”