Des Moines Sun

The Senate Judiciary Committee has moved forward with several key nominations, including one for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, four for U.S. District Courts, the Director of National Drug Control Policy, and five U.S. Attorneys.

Rebecca L. Taibleson was advanced for the position of United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit 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 was advanced as United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina by a 14-8 vote, while the Honorable Susan Courtwright Rodriguez was nominated for the same court with a 17-5 vote.

Sara Carter Bailey was nominated to serve as Director of National Drug Control Policy, advancing with a 12-10 vote.

The committee also approved nominations for five U.S. Attorneys: Braden Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee (12-10), Dominick Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio (16-6), Jerome Francis Gorgon, Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan (20-2), Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina (17-5), and Thomas Wheeler II for the Southern District of Indiana (12-10).

A recording of the executive business meeting and the judicial nominations hearing is available online. Chairman Chuck Grassley’s opening statements at both meetings can also be accessed.