Democrats strike deal to confirm more judges before Trump term

Senate will not vote on four Biden appellate court nominees to allow for other nominations to proceed more quickly

The US Senate will not hold votes on four of Joe Biden's appellate court nominees as part of a deal with Republicans to allow for speedier consideration of other judicial nominations and bring the president within striking distance of the 234 total judicial confirmations that occurred during president-elect Donald Trump's first term.

Currently, the number of judges confirmed under Biden totals 221. Republicans forced numerous procedural votes this week and late-night sessions as the Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, attempted to move ahead in getting more of Biden's nominees confirmed before Congress adjourns and Republicans take control of the chamber in January.