Hawkeye Reporter

The Senate Judiciary Committee has moved forward with several key nominations, including one for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and four for district courts. The committee also advanced the nomination for Director of National Drug Control Policy and five nominees to serve as U.S. Attorneys.

Rebecca L. Taibleson was nominated to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit and her nomination was approved by a 12-10 vote. For the Middle District of North Carolina, David A. Bragdon and Lindsey Ann Freeman were nominated as United States District Judges, receiving votes of 12-10 and 15-7 respectively. Matthew E. Orso’s nomination to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina passed with a 14-8 vote, while The Honorable Susan Courtwright Rodriguez received a 17-5 vote for the same court.

Sara Carter Bailey’s nomination as Director of National Drug Control Policy was approved by a 12-10 vote.

The committee also voted on five U.S. Attorney nominations: Braden Boucek (Middle District of Tennessee) was advanced by a 12-10 vote; Dominick Gerace II (Southern District of Ohio) by 16-6; Jerome Francis Gorgon, Jr. (Eastern District of Michigan) by 20-2; Bryan Stirling (District of South Carolina) by 17-5; and Thomas Wheeler II (Southern District of Indiana) by 12-10.

A recording of the executive business meeting and judicial nominations hearing is available online.

Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) made opening remarks at both meetings, which can also be accessed online.