Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has voiced concerns over three judicial nominees, highlighting their troubling records on religious liberty. During a Senate Judiciary Committee markup, Senator Cornyn contrasted these nominees with others who have received broad bipartisan support. He emphasized the cooperation between himself, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), and other Republican colleagues with the Biden administration on judicial nominees.

Senator Cornyn stated, "There are a number of nominees on today's markup who are evidence of the cooperation and collaboration between the White House and red state Senators." He further expressed his disappointment with radical factions on the left who seek to disregard institutional norms, including the filibuster.

Highlighting the importance of cooperation, Senator Cornyn said, "The fact that Senator Cruz and I have been able to work so effectively with the Biden administration on judicial nominees is proof that cooperation is not just possible, it's also deeply important."

However, he expressed concerns about the fitness of certain nominees to serve on the bench. Specifically, he criticized Judge Kasubhai, stating, "It became clear that he has an agenda and will not give litigants, particularly those who are seeking to vindicate their faith, religion, or conscience objection, a fair shake."

Another nominee, Judge Adeel Mangi, who was nominated to be a Third Circuit Judge, also faced scrutiny from Senator Cornyn. The senator voiced his troubled views on a number of issues, particularly terrorism and anti-Semitism.

Lastly, Senator Cornyn raised concerns about Nicole Berner, who was nominated to be a Fourth Circuit Judge. He expressed that her open hostility to religious liberty and Christians is extremely troubling.

In conclusion, Senator Cornyn emphasized, "We can do much better as a country than Judge Kasubhai, Mr. Mangi, and Ms. Berner."

The nomination of these judicial candidates has sparked a debate on religious freedom and the suitability of nominees for judgeships. It remains to be seen how the Senate Judiciary Committee will proceed with these controversial nominations.