Senate confirms 14th nominee, first Latino circuit judge

The Senate unanimously confirmed Jimmie Reyna as the first Latino member of the federal appeals court on Monday and, in doing so, confirmed its 15th judicial nominee of the year.

Last year at this same time the Senate had only managed to make two confirmations.

Prior to the vote Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, came to the floor to praise Senate Majority Harry Reid (D-Nev.) for insisting the Senate vote on at least one judicial nominee each week. He urged Reid to maintain the regular schedule through out the year.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is based in Washington and has its jurisdiction based wholly upon subject matter rather than geographic location.

The Senate adjourned at 6:22 p.m. on Monday and is set to convene at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.