Senate Republicans Give Trump Two Big Wins

Democrats opposed the nomination, with one Republican senator joining them in voting against confirmation.

Critics attempted to paint Smith as overly loyal to Trump, but Republicans dismissed the attacks as partisan smears against a highly qualified nominee.

The confirmation continues the Senate GOP’s successful effort to reshape the federal judiciary with judges who respect the separation of powers and reject judicial legislating.

With this victory, President Trump’s administration advances its promise to appoint jurists who will defend constitutional freedoms and rein in activist courts.

Smith’s lifetime appointment ensures strong conservative representation on a key appeals court for years to come.

Senate Republicans also voted to confirm more than 100 of President Trump’s nominations, thereby eliminating the backlog of outstanding appointments in one action.

The confirmations followed the Senate GOP’s alteration of its rules earlier this year, permitting the collective approval of most executive branch nominees instead of individual assessments.