The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Monday to advance Merrick Garland’s nomination to serve as attorney general.
The committee voted 15-7 in favor of Garland leading the Justice Department.
Every Democrat on the committee voted in support of the nomination. They were joined by Republican Sens. Chuck Grassley (R- Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
Sens. Ben Sasse (R- Neb.), Mike Lee (R- Utah), Josh Hawley (R-Mo), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) John Kennedy (R-La), Ted Cruz (R- Texas), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), voted against Garland’s nomination.
Garland is expected to be confirmed despite Republican opposition in the Judiciary committee. All 50 Democrats have said they will support his nomination and some Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell are expected to vote in favor of his nomination as well.
A final confirmation vote could happen as soon as this week.
