The Senate Judiciary Committee held an executive business meeting on December 11, 2025, to vote on seven nominations. These included three district judge nominees—Nicholas Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas, David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas, and Aaron Christian Peterson for the District of Alaska—as well as four U.S. Attorney candidates: Darin Smith, Andrew Benson, William Boyle, and Richard Price.
Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated his support for all seven nominees and encouraged his colleagues to do the same. He also noted that “The CLEAR Path Act is listed on our agenda for the first time today, and we’ll hold it over for future consideration.”
Grassley began his remarks by honoring Specialist Sarah Beckman of the National Guard who was killed in an ambush while serving during Thanksgiving. He also mentioned Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe who was seriously injured in the same attack. Grassley said: “These two servicemembers were part of an effort to keep our cities and our Capitol safe. Our prayers and gratitude for their sacrifice are with them and their families.”
Reflecting on the committee’s work in 2025, Grassley highlighted that they have conducted more than 50 hearings and reported 23 bills favorably. The committee has voted on a total of 84 nominees this year—including high-profile positions such as Attorney General, FBI Director, six circuit judges, 24 district judges, and 36 United States Attorneys.
He pointed out that judicial nominations have been processed efficiently: “We’ve advanced judicial nominees as fast as our Committee receives them, and we’ve confirmed more federal judges at this point than President Trump did in his first administration.” According to a report from The Heritage Foundation cited by Grassley, the committee has held hearings for 96% of judicial nominations received—higher than any new president since 1980.
Grassley expressed a desire to process more nominations but said he is waiting on additional submissions from the White House. Similarly, he noted delays due to pending background investigations required from the administration before advancing some U.S. Attorney nominees.
He referenced a nonpartisan study comparing recent administrations’ judicial appointees: “As I’ve noted before, a recent nonpartisan study found that judges nominated by President Trump have outperformed those of other recent administrations in terms of productivity, quality and independence.”
On oversight matters involving Secretary Noem from DHS (Department of Homeland Security), Grassley explained that invitations were extended for her testimony at two different dates but declined both times without alternative dates provided by DHS. He stated: “During her confirmation process, Secretary Noem committed to appearing before this Committee when invited. I expect better cooperation from the Secretary early next year.”
Grassley also updated members about access issues surrounding a classified DHS Inspector General report regarding covert testing at TSA security checkpoints. After pressing DHS leadership for broader congressional access—including Democratic Ranking Member Dick Durbin—the committees now reportedly have access to review it. However, GAO (Government Accountability Office) has not yet been granted possession needed to conduct its own review; Grassley expects Secretary Noem will resolve this issue.
Finally, Grassley announced progress related to “Arctic Frost,” stating that four subcommittees have been activated as part of an investigation led jointly with Senator Johnson. Oversight hearings are set to begin in January with at least one full committee hearing planned.
