On Wednesday, during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for a seat on the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Nancy Maldonado, a Biden appellate nominee, faced criticism from Senate Republicans over her case management ability. Lead by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), the Republicans questioned Maldonado’s efficiency and productivity as a district judge for the Northern District of Illinois, a jurisdiction that encompasses Chicago.
The GOP senators expressed concern over Maldonado’s civil case docket, particularly the backlog of 125 motions that had been pending for more than six months. Such productivity issues have been a contentious point and are a critical aspect of the responsibilities of her nominated position.
As expressed through their line of inquiry, the Republicans underscored the necessity of efficient case management in the district courts, an attribute they perceived as lacking in Maldonado’s record. The representatives’ inquiries reflect broader worries about the accumulation of unmoved cases in the judiciary system.
For more information and complete coverage of the hearing, consider reading the full announcement here.