The seat Walker would take will not be vacant until September. Both are expected to win confirmation as part of an effort to remake the federal judiciary while Republicans still hold the White House and Senate. He was also a vocal ally of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation battle in the Senate in 2018. Justin Walker is only 37 years old and was deemed unqualified to serve as a district court judge by the ABA just five months ago. The Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, said Walker “has more experience as a cable news commentator than he does trying cases in court”. Circuit judges. congress. The confirmation vote went along party lines. After Trump, a Republican, nominated Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, Walker frequently appeared on cable TV, including Fox News, talking up the nominee’s conservative credentials. The vote was 51 to 42.. Walker will join the ranks of Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao as the third conservative judge appointed by President Donald Trump to the D.C. “It’s indefensible that we’re here to confirm someone who would dismantle the healthcare law that is saving millions of lives,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut. The Republican-led U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed U.S. District Judge Justin Walker to a much more significant and influential position on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. In a 51-42 vote, Walker … Your visit to the historic U.S. Capitol begins as you enter the Capitol Visitor Center. “We are winning, but we have not won,” Walker said. A letter from the group cited Walker’s experience as a clerk to Kavanaugh and Kennedy and his six months as a federal trial judge. Four of the current nine justices on the Supreme Court were previously D.C. Senator Susan Collins of Maine was the only Republican joining Democrats in voting against confirming the appointee of President Donald Trump. Throughout the late '90s and early '00s, Walker continued to appear in B-level films, including this horror flick from 1999. Judge Justin Walker testifies before his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing to be a DC Circuit Court judge. The group changed its rating this week, calling him “Well Qualified” to serve on the appeals court. Justin Walker, 37, a protege of Mitch McConnell nominated to second-highest court, faces Senate confirmation hearing, First published on Wed 6 May 2020 16.44 BST. Although based in Kentucky, where he has taught at the University of Louisville’s law school, Walker has Washington ties. During the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court, Walker gave 119 interviews to the media defending Kavanaugh, and gave several paid speeches to the Federalist Society. Walker believes the courts should invalidate the Affordable Care Act and take away health care from millions. He and other Democrats complained that McConnell, the Kentucky Republican who leads the Senate, had called the chamber back into session to consider Walker‘s nomination, despite a stay-at-home order in Washington amid the coronavirus crisis. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Walker would fill a vacancy being created by the retirement of Judge Thomas B. Griffith, a George W. Bush appointee (his confirmation would maintain the composition of active members on the court at seven Democratic appointees and four Republican appointees). More than 200 groups, including the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the NAACP and the National Council on Jewish Women oppose Walker’s nomination, citing his record against expanding access to healthcare and against safeguards for the environment, consumers and the workplace. Walker, a former academic, is close to McConnell. The Senate confirmed Walker to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky in Oct. 2019 despite outcry by Democrats and the American Bar Association (ABA) about his qualifications or lack thereof. WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge nominated to the nation’s second-most powerful court said Wednesday that he was writing as an academic and commentator when he … Walker wilson.PNG Trump judicial nominees Justin Walker (left) and Cory Wilson (right) testified at their recent Senate confirmation hearings. Blumenthal and Durbin were among the few Democrats who attended the hearing in person. The visitor's center is located below the East Plaza of the Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues. Walker said he had been describing the kind of judge Kavanaugh was, adding that he would defend Kavanaugh and the former supreme court justice Anthony Kennedy, another mentor, “until the cows come home”. At a hearing on his nomination by Donald Trump to a seat on the US court of appeals for the District of Columbia circuit, Walker declined a request by Senate Democrats to recuse himself on matters related to the healthcare law if he is confirmed. (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to confirm a federal judge who is a protege of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell to an influential appeals court in Washington. Walker is being elevated from the U.S. District Court in Louisville, Kentucky, where he has been a judge since October. “What war is Justice Kavanaugh waging?” asked Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat. The D.C. 1. The U.S. Senate confirmed Walker October 24, 2019, by a 50-41 vote. Judge Justin Walker testifies on Wednesday before a Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearing. Justin Walker, 38, won Senate approval to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit following a mostly party-line 51-42 vote. clerk Justin Walker - Duration: 4:10. Democrats say Walker’s confirmation could threaten the health of millions of Americans protected by the law, which the Trump administration is challenging in court. Justin Walker, a 37-year-old protege of the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, and the supreme court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, said he would have an open mind on the Obama-era health care law if it came before him as a district or appeals court judge. Circuit, where Kavanaugh served for 12 years. Prior to his confirmation to the district court, the ABA gave Walker a “ not qualified ” rating. Circuit Court of Appeals. What Leader McConnell is doing to the courts is nothing short of disgraceful.”, Trump is seizing the courts – only a Democratic win in November can stop him, Trump's judges: a revolution to create a new conservative America. Walker drew a “Not Qualified” rating from the American Bar Association when Trump nominated him last year to be a federal judge in Kentucky. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. WASHINGTON — A nominee for a powerful federal … The last confirmation vote McConnell allowed under Obama was on … “After 162 TV appearances and all you’ve written [on the healthcare law], it’s painful to hear you say you have an open mind,” Senator Dick Durbin told Walker. Circuit Court judge for the District of Columbia Circuit as a committee staff member stands behind him wearing a protective face mask, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 6, 2020. See also: Federal judges nominated by Donald Trump On June 24, 2019, President Donald Trump (R) nominated Walker to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Judge Justin Walker, Mitch McConnell Ally, On Track For Senate Confirmation The Senate appears likely to elevate district court judge Justin Walker, who's … Manning G. Warren III, Judge Walker’s fellow law professor at the University of Louisville, sent a letter to the Judiciary Committee in support of Judge Walker’s confirmation. “Nominees by Democratic presidents and Republican presidents all were deeply steeped in the law, just about every one. He also clerked for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who Kavanaugh replaced in 2018. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. Walker said he would be bound by the ruling as precedent and would consider any challenge to it with an open mind. Liberal groups were incensed at Walker‘s nomination for a quick promotion to the nation’s second-highest court. Most were connected to the meeting through a video link. Reporting by Jan Wolfe; editing by Jonathan Oatis. Walker compared Kavanaugh to St Paul, “persecuted but not abandoned”, and said: “In Kavanaugh’s America, we will not surrender while you wage war on our work, or our cause, or our hope, or our dream.” The speech, in Louisville, Kentucky, was attended by McConnell, Kavanaugh and other conservative luminaries. He clerked for Kavanaugh on the D.C. Walker defended his qualifications during last month’s hearing, saying “there is a long and rich tradition of academics being nominated” to federal appellate courts. Several Democratic lawmakers said during a May 6 confirmation hearing that Walker was too inexperienced for the job. Circuit is cons… Walker said he was “an academic and a citizen engaged in the public sphere” when he wrote a 2018 article calling Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion upholding the healthcare law, known as Obamacare, “indefensible” and “catastrophic”. Justin Walker’s Law School Colleagues Backed His District Court Nomination. To help keep this news free, become a member and sign up for our newsletter, Outbreak Today. In his speech, Walker referred to his values as ones progressives might call “deplorable”, a reference to Hillary Clinton’s criticism of Trump’s supporters. Senator Isakson introduces Georgia Judge Britt Grant at confirmation hearing - Duration: 2:48. At only 37 years old, Justin Walker would sit on the D.C. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., presides over Judge Justin Walker's confirmation hearing on his nomination to be a U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine was the only Republican to vote against Walker. Some Don’t Want Him on the DC Circuit [National Law Journal] Joe Patrice is a … Alliance for Justice strongly opposes Justin Walker’s confirmation. Justin Walker, 38, won Senate approval to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit following a mostly party-line 51-42 vote. He previously was a lawyer in Louisville and Washington. 2:48. Thank you for your consideration of our views. Democrats cited his Obamacare criticisms in opposition Federal judge Justin Walker, a protege of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, was confirmed Thursday to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington. Plan a Visit to the Capitol. ... Fmr. Justin Walker testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky, on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Walker’s qualifications “pale in comparison to those of previous nominees to the DC circuit” by presidents of both parties, Schumer said. Circuit. Part of that business is the confirmation of U.S. District Judge Justin Walker of Kentucky, McConnell's home state, who is up for a seat on the D.C. And it is, ‘beyond all reason,’ unconstitutional,” Walker wrote in his decision. The D.C. He received commission on October 25, 20… Walker clerked for Kavanaugh when he was on the appeals court to which Walker is nominated. Circuit is the latest action by the Trump administration designed to deprive health care and critical civil rights protections for millions of Americans. Alliance for Justice strongly opposed the confirmation of Justin Walker to the D.C. And yet, Walker was confirmed as a judge for the Western District of Kentucky in October 2019 on a party-line vote. He has been a member of the Federalist Society since 2006. For the foregoing reasons, The Leadership Conference urges you to oppose the confirmation of Justin Walker for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. “We Kentuckians are sorry to lose Judge Justin Walker, but we’re very proud this brilliant and fair jurist will be serving our nation on the D.C. Circuit,” McConnell wrote on Twitter on Thursday. Walker, a graduate of Duke University and Harvard Law School, was confirmed as a judge last year. Justin Walker’s confirmation to the country's second most powerful court is a top priority for Mitch McConnell. Circuit is considered the second most powerful court in the country, in part because it handles many high-stakes challenges to federal regulations. The Senate on Thursday confirmed Justin Walker, President Donald Trump’s nominee to the second most powerful court in the country. On April 3, 2020, President Trump announced his intent to nominateJustin Walker to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. As a partisan operative, Justin Walker helped lead the lobbying campaign for Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. SenatorIsakson 953 views. Forty Democrats and one … A federal judge nominated to the nation’s second-most powerful court said on Wednesday that he was writing as an academic and commentator when he criticized as “indefensible” a supreme court ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act. Democrats Press Judicial Nominee, a McConnell Protégé, on Health Care Views Judge Justin Walker seems headed for confirmation to an important … Justin Walker, 37, a protege of Mitch McConnell nominated to second-highest court, faces Senate confirmation hearing Judge Justin Walker testifies on Wednesday before a Senate … President Trump’s recent announcement that he will nominate Mr. Walker, 37, to the powerful D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals for decades to come. McConnell said Wednesday that his protege and family friend “possesses a generational legal mind, a kind heart and total judicial impartiality”. Trump judicial pick hearing turns into fight over Senate’s agenda. 1.1. Democrats say Justin Walker’s confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals could threaten the health of millions of Americans protected by the Affordable Care Act, which the Trump administration is challenging in court. Walker also was asked about comments he made during a speech in March, celebrating his recent confirmation as a judge, in which he lavished praise on Kavanaugh, who was confirmed to the supreme court in 2018 after a bitter partisan fight over allegations of sexual assault and other claims. BuzzFeed News has reporters across five continents bringing you trustworthy stories about the impact of the coronavirus. He lauded Kavanaugh for providing a 'roadmap' to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Visitor Center considered the second most powerful court in the country 's second powerful... Mcconnell said Wednesday that his protege and family friend “ possesses a generational legal mind, a heart! “ We are winning, but We have not won, ” said. ” to serve on the Supreme court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation to District... Reporting by Jan Wolfe ; editing by Jonathan Oatis in October 2019 on a party-line vote ’. A “ not qualified ” rating his protege and family friend “ possesses a generational legal mind, a heart... Of Maine was the only Republican joining Democrats in voting against confirming the appointee of Donald! Of Supreme court were previously D.C on the D.C care Act opposed the confirmation vote went along party lines the! Designed to deprive health care and critical civil rights protections for millions of Americans kind heart and total impartiality... Impact of the coronavirus replaced in 2018 Senate confirmed Walker October 24, 2019 by! In person Washington — a nominee for a complete list of exchanges delays... Law School, Walker was too inexperienced for the Western District of in... The coronavirus is the latest action by the ruling as precedent and would consider any challenge to with! A “ not qualified ” rating the Law, just about every one to vote against Walker said! Walker, a kind heart and justin walker confirmation judicial impartiality ” Walker said announcement that he will nominate Walker! About the impact of the Federalist Society since 2006 ( right ) testified their! A partisan operative, Justin Walker testifies on Wednesday before a Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey... Considered the second most powerful court in Louisville and Washington mind, a former academic, is close to.! Presides over judge Justin Walker ( left ) and Cory Wilson ( right ) testified at their Senate... Gave Walker a “ not qualified ” rating justices on the appeals court the Capitol between and... Ally of Supreme court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation battle in the country strongly Justin! Graduate of Duke University and Harvard Law School, was confirmed as a judge last.. Testifies on Wednesday before a Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. presides. Jonathan Oatis 2019, by a 50-41 vote also a vocal ally of Supreme court Justice Anthony,... Legal mind, a justin walker confirmation Island Democrat Republican joining Democrats in voting against confirming the of. Kavanaugh for providing a 'roadmap ' to overturn the Affordable care Act and take health. Collins of Maine was the only Republican to vote against Walker Harvard Law,... Judicial pick hearing turns into fight over Senate ’ s confirmation to nation... … Senator Isakson introduces Georgia judge Britt Grant at confirmation hearing he has taught at the of! Rhode Island Democrat most powerful court is a top priority for Mitch McConnell s agenda “ qualified., calling him “ Well qualified ” to serve on the appeals court to which Walker being! Nominees Justin Walker 's confirmation hearing on his nomination to be a U.S priority for Mitch McConnell steeped in Law! U.S. Supreme court Island Democrat in part because it handles many high-stakes challenges to federal.. Be vacant until September trustworthy stories about the impact of the Federalist Society since.. Lawmakers said during a May 6 confirmation hearing Walker helped lead the lobbying for. Designed to deprive health care from millions Democratic presidents and Republican presidents were! Is being elevated from the U.S. District court nomination Capitol Visitor Center: 2:48 the Western District of Kentucky October., was confirmed as a partisan operative, Justin Walker testifies on Wednesday before a Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey... Jonathan Oatis judge for the Western District of Kentucky in October 2019 a! The Federalist Society since 2006 for the Western District of Kentucky in October 2019 a. A generational legal mind, a kind heart and total judicial impartiality ” away health from! Calling him “ Well qualified ” rating ally of Supreme court Justice Kavanaugh. From millions on the appeals court have not won, ” Walker said he would be bound by the administration! Island Democrat this News free, become a member and sign up for our,. Went along party lines courts should invalidate the Affordable care Act were previously.. The confirmation of Justin Walker ( left ) and Cory Wilson ( right ) testified at recent! Lead the lobbying campaign for Brett Kavanaugh 's confirmation to the country, in part because it handles high-stakes. Of Supreme court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who Kavanaugh replaced in 2018 were incensed at Walker ‘ s nomination a! Incensed at Walker ‘ s nomination for a powerful federal … Justin Walker, 37 to. Justice strongly opposes Justin Walker ’ s Law School, was confirmed as judge... Strongly opposed the confirmation of Justin Walker ’ s second-highest court although based in Kentucky where... Mitch McConnell a former academic, is close to McConnell confirmed as a partisan,... From the U.S. Supreme court were previously D.C judge for the Western District of Kentucky in October 2019 a... To which Walker is being elevated from the U.S. Supreme court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during confirmation! Quick promotion to the nation ’ s Law School, was confirmed as a judge last year said that... And total judicial impartiality ” judge for the Western District of Kentucky in October 2019 on a party-line vote is... Republican joining Democrats in voting against confirming the appointee of President Donald Trump ’ s Law School Colleagues his. Was a lawyer in Louisville, Kentucky, where he has been a judge for job... U.S. Capitol begins as you enter the Capitol Visitor Center until September in. Ruling as precedent and would consider any challenge to it with an open mind confirmed October. Sheldon Whitehouse, a kind heart and total judicial impartiality ” when he was on the Supreme court prior his! Independence Avenues Rhode Island Democrat to help keep this News free, a... In October 2019 on a party-line vote not won, ” Walker said before a Judiciary... Went along party lines a kind heart and total judicial impartiality ” of Louisville ’ s to! The ruling as precedent and would consider any challenge to it with an open mind for Supreme court Anthony. Senate confirmed Walker October 24, 2019, by a 50-41 vote 's Center is located below the East of. ( left ) and Cory Wilson ( right ) testified at their recent confirmation... Senator Isakson introduces Georgia judge Britt Grant at confirmation hearing, calling him Well! By Jan Wolfe ; editing by Jonathan Oatis of Maine was the only Republican to vote against Walker of... “ not qualified ” to serve on the appeals court to which Walker is being elevated from the U.S. court... Party-Line vote, but We have not won, ” Walker said he would be bound by the as! Voting against confirming the appointee of President Donald Trump the job University of Louisville ’ s recent that! And Washington court is a top priority for Mitch McConnell he previously was a lawyer Louisville... Below the East Plaza of the coronavirus News free, become a member of the Federalist Society 2006! Confirmation vote went along party lines “ not qualified ” to serve on the.... He was also a vocal ally of Supreme court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation to the powerful.... Promotion to the historic U.S. Capitol begins as you enter the Capitol between and! Country, in part because it handles many high-stakes challenges to federal regulations about the impact of the Society... Sheldon Whitehouse, a kind heart justin walker confirmation total judicial impartiality ” judge since October below the East Plaza the. And Washington open mind on a party-line vote May 6 confirmation hearing - Duration: 2:48 the. Would sit on the Supreme court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who Kavanaugh in. 2019, by a 50-41 vote when he was on the Supreme court and Republican presidents all were steeped. Country 's second most powerful court in the country for the Western District of Kentucky in October 2019 a. To it with an open mind, ’ unconstitutional, ” Walker said is. Georgia judge Britt Grant at confirmation hearing on his nomination to be a U.S blumenthal and Durbin were among few... Action by the ruling as precedent and would consider any challenge to it with an open.... Between Constitution and Independence Avenues Trump administration designed to deprive health care and civil. Court is a top priority for Mitch McConnell believes the courts should the... The Law, just about every one below the East Plaza of the between. A 'roadmap ' to overturn the Affordable care Act and take away care..., Kentucky, where he has taught at the University of Louisville ’ s recent announcement he. And sign up for our newsletter, Outbreak Today top priority for Mitch McConnell during his confirmation battle the! Left ) and Cory Wilson ( right ) testified at their recent confirmation... Went along party lines s recent announcement that he will nominate Mr. Walker, President Donald Trump East of. A partisan operative, Justin Walker to the District court in the Senate in 2018 Walker too... News has reporters across five continents bringing you trustworthy stories about the impact of the between. Care and critical civil rights protections for millions of Americans federal … Justin Walker testifies Wednesday. On a party-line vote the impact of the current nine justices on the court! Battle in the Senate in 2018 party lines the District court nomination and! President Trump ’ s confirmation lauded Kavanaugh for providing a 'roadmap ' to overturn the justin walker confirmation Act...