Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba has publicly criticized Senate lawmakers for upholding the ‘blue slip’ tradition, a long-standing practice that allows senators to block federal judicial nominees with a simple majority vote. In a recent statement, Habba argued that this tradition is outdated and undermines the merit-based process of selecting judges, which is meant to ensure judicial independence and impartiality.
The blue slip policy, which originated in the 19th century, grants senior senators the power to object to certain judicial nominations, particularly those for appellate courts. Habba, who has been a vocal advocate for judicial reform, stated that this practice creates a political barrier to the appointment of qualified candidates and distorts the functioning of the federal judiciary.
Habba’s comments come amid growing calls for the reform of the Senate’s confirmation process. While her remarks are not officially endorsed by the administration, they reflect a broader debate over the balance between legislative oversight and judicial independence. The issue highlights the increasing tension between the executive and legislative branches over the composition and independence of the federal judiciary.