WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate voted to advance the nomination of Emil Bove, a senior Justice Department official and former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, toward a lifetime seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, setting up a final confirmation vote after a closely divided procedural tally.
The Senate approved a cloture motion on Bove's nomination by a vote of 50-48, limiting further debate and clearing the way for a confirmation vote at a later date. Republican senators backed the motion, while Democrats remained united in opposition, with two senators absent from the vote.
Bove, who has served in senior leadership at the Justice Department during Trump's administration, previously represented Trump in criminal and civil matters before joining the department. If confirmed, he would receive a lifetime appointment to the Philadelphia-based Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which hears cases from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Democratic senators have argued that Bove's record at the Justice Department raises questions about his fitness for the bench. They have cited whistleblower allegations that he encouraged subordinates to disregard court orders related to immigration enforcement and pointed to his role in decisions involving the dismissal of a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Bove has denied wrongdoing, and the Justice Department has defended his conduct.
Republicans have defended the nomination, saying Bove is a highly qualified attorney with experience as a federal prosecutor and in private practice. Supporters have rejected Democratic criticism as politically motivated and said his legal background makes him well suited for the appellate court.
The nomination advanced after the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee approved Bove along party lines despite a Democratic walkout during the committee vote. Democrats had sought additional review of whistleblower allegations before the nomination proceeded, while committee Republicans said the Senate should move forward with consideration.
The Senate's procedural vote marks another step in the Trump administration's effort to reshape the federal judiciary through judicial appointments. A final confirmation vote is expected after the expiration of post-cloture debate time.
