Free Republic

The Senate confirmed one of President Trump’s lawyers to become a judge on the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., overcoming concerns that he could end up deciding the legality of key parts of the Trump agenda — including decisions he was part of. On a 50-48 vote, Gregory Katsas became the first Trump-appointed judge on the D.C. circuit. One Republican, Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, voted against Mr. Katsas while one Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, joined the GOP in support. “He does an extraordinary job for President Trump, but to me, there’s an appearance of a...

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Tuesday is poised to confirm one of President Donald Trump's legal advisers to serve on a powerful appellate court. Gregory Katsas has worked on some of the president's most high-profile and contentious decisions, including his executive orders restricting travel for citizens of predominantly Muslim countries and his decision to end a program protecting some young immigrants from deportation. Democratic lawmakers have argued that they don't trust Katsas, 53, will be truly independent in cases involving the president, but they are relatively powerless to stop his confirmation. Katsas serves as deputy assistant to the president...

The Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to approve Greg Katsas, one of President Trump’s White House lawyers, for a spot on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., overcoming complaints from Democrats who said they feared putting a Trump ally on the court that decides many big federal law cases. Mr. Katsas now moves to the Senate floor for final confirmation after the 11-9 party-line committee vote. Mr. Katsas has served as deputy White House counsel since January, advising the president on his travel ban policy, his voter integrity commission, the challenges to Mr. Trump’s business arrangements under the...

The Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to approve Greg Katsas, one of President Trump’s White House lawyers, for a spot on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., overcoming complaints from Democrats who said they feared putting a Trump ally on the court that hears many big federal law cases. Mr. Katsas now moves to the Senate floor for final confirmation after the 11-9 party-line committee vote. Mr. Katsas served as deputy White House counsel since January, advising the president on his travel ban policy, his voter integrity commission, the challenges to Mr. Trump’s business arrangements under the Constitution’s...