Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, opened a nominations hearing on April 15, welcoming attendees and outlining the day’s agenda. The first panel featured Justin Smith, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, followed by three nominees—Jeffrey Kuhlman, Anthony Mattivi, and Anthony Powell—for positions on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.
Grassley addressed recent developments in federal civil rights enforcement, referencing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s launch of the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative. He said this initiative uses the False Claims Act to recover federal funds from recipients who violate anti-discrimination laws. Grassley noted a recent $17 million settlement with a federal contractor over practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Quoting Blanche, Grassley said: “Racial discrimination is illegal, and government contractors cannot evade the law by repackaging it as DEI.”
The chairman emphasized that recipients of federal funding must follow civil rights laws and praised ongoing efforts to recover taxpayer funds through legal action against discrimination. He also discussed frequent questioning at nomination hearings about election results. Grassley explained that under Article II and the 12th Amendment of the Constitution, presidential elections are decided by electoral college votes certified in Congress.
“When recent judicial nominees have been asked who won the 2020 election,” Grassley said, “they’ve correctly stated that President Biden was certified as the winner and served for four years.” He continued: “When asked about the 2024 election, they’ve correctly acknowledged that President Trump was certified as the winner and is currently in office.” Grassley criticized what he described as unfair attacks on nominees’ answers regarding these matters.
The Senate Judiciary Committee plays a significant role in shaping constitutional protections and public safety nationwide through its legislative work and oversight duties according to its official website. The committee reviews legislation affecting judicial matters across all states according to its official website.
As a standing committee based in Washington D.C., it has authority over judicial nominations while being led by a chairperson with senators from both major parties according to its official website. Its responsibilities include upholding constitutional principles through review of legislation and evaluation of judicial appointments according to its official website.
Concluding his remarks before introducing visitors who would present each nominee at Wednesday’s hearing, Grassley said: “The nominees’ answers demonstrate they are constitutionalists. And that’s exactly what we should want – judges who uphold the Constitution and do not bend to political attack or insult.”
