Getting a seat on the Supreme Court
President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are seeking a quick confirmation for a new Supreme Court justice. Nominees normally face a long road and intense scrutiny on their way to a lifetime appointment to the nation’s highest court:
NOTE: At any point in the process, the nominee may withdraw or the nomination may be revoked by the presdient.
SOURCE: Associated Press
NOMINATION
The president nominates a candidate to fill a high court vacancy, generally after a vetting by the White House, FBI and other agencies to uncover red flags that could derail a nomination.
1
STEP
The nominee meets with individual senators to gain support, answers a lengthy questionnaire and sits for questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which vets the nominee’s qualifications and judicial history.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
2
STEP
The committee votes to advance the nomination to the full Senate, with a recommendation to either approve or reject the nominee.
COMMITTEE VOTES
3
STEP
The full Senate debates the nomination.
SENATE DEBATES
4
STEP
It takes 51 votes to confirm the nominee.
The Senate has 53 Republicans.
SENATE VOTES
5
STEP
51+ votes
Fewer than 51 votes
The nominee is confirmed to the court.
The nomnee is rejected and the process must start over.
Click steps
