Senate tees up historic vote on gay appellate court nominee
The U.S. Senate is poised to make history on Tuesday when it may confirm an openly gay man for the first-time ever to a seat on a federal appeals court.
The Senate is set to vote on the confirmation of Todd Hughes, whom President Obama nominated in February, to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit.
After proceeding to the nomination at 11:15 am, the Senate will engage in up to 30 minutes of equally divided debate prior to the vote. If all time is used, at around 11:45 am, the Senate will vote on the nomination.
Adam Jentleson, a Reid spokesperson, said an agreement with Republicans was reached to proceed with the nomination, so 60 votes to end a filibuster won’t be necessary. A simple majority vote can confirm Hughes.
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/09/20/senate-set-vote-tuesday-gay-appellate-court-nominee/
