Hawkeye Reporter

The blue slip tradition in the U.S. Senate is a practice that has been used for more than a century by the Senate Judiciary Committee. It allows home-state senators to express their approval or disapproval of presidential nominations for federal positions in their state, such as judges, U.S. Attorneys, and U.S. Marshals. This process was created to foster consultation between the White House and senators regarding lifetime appointments to the federal bench and other key roles.

According to Article II of the Constitution, both the Senate and President share authority over making treaties and appointing federal officials, including judges and Cabinet members. The blue slip serves as a mechanism for implementing the Senate’s constitutional role of offering advice and consent on these nominations. Supporters say this is an important example of checks and balances within government.

Senator Chuck Grassley emphasized that while this tradition may seem distant from daily life in Iowa, it affects public safety by influencing who serves as prosecutors and judges locally. "The blue slip preserves the ability of lawmakers to shape the types of prosecutors and judges who serve the public, uphold the rule of law and resolve disputes in the community," Grassley said. "It provides an assurance that the White House will consult with home-state senators during the nomination process."

Grassley also noted his own experience leading the Senate Judiciary Committee: "During my tenure as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have strongly supported collaboration between the White House and home-state senators in the nomination process. I’ve abided by precedent set by former chairs of the committee and called out the absurdity of having two sets of rules, depending on which party holds the White House or controls the agenda in the Senate. What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander."

There have been calls to eliminate this tradition, but Grassley has opposed such efforts: "For years, I’ve consistently pushed back on misguided efforts to abolish the blue slip that would neuter the Senate’s authority of advice and consent." He referenced changes made in 2013 when then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reduced confirmation requirements for executive branch nominees from a supermajority to a simple majority vote—a move Grassley warned could lead to future partisan conflicts.

Grassley argues that removing blue slips would take away input from home-state senators on key appointments: "Without the blue slip, home-state senators would have no input on who the president appoints to prosecute crimes as the lead federal prosecutor or sit for lifetime appointments on the federal district court that oversees cases, conducts trials and applies the law in their states." He added that most senators support keeping this tradition: "That’s why majority of all senators support blue slips including those sitting on Judiciary Committee."

He also pointed out concerns about Congress delegating too much power to executive agencies over time—such as allowing agencies greater rulemaking authority or expanding presidential tariff powers—and said preserving tools like blue slips helps maintain legislative oversight.

The debate over blue slips reflects ongoing discussions about how much influence individual senators should have over judicial nominations compared with presidential prerogative.