Democrats say the Republican criticisms are unfounded, arguing that the White House has intentionally floated far-right nominees — knowing that Democrats would object — in order to galvanize a Republican base energized about putting more conservative judges on the bench. Six of the 10 appeals court nominees do not have the support from home-state senators, decreasing the prospects they will be confirmed by the Senate.

Given those circumstances, Democrats say they have treated Bush nominees fairly, having confirmed over 86 percent of them, compared to the 75 percent of former President Bill Clinton’s nominees who were approved. Forty judicial nominees were confirmed last year, more than each of the three preceding years when Republicans controlled the chamber, they argue.

Leahy accused Republicans of stalling action in the Judiciary Committee, including in February when the GOP denied him a quorum during committee markups. By griping on Thursday, he said the Republicans were using up the committee time’s that would be better used considering one nominee on the agenda — Catharina Haynes — to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which covers disputes in Southern states.

“You’re filibustering your own judge,” Leahy demurred.

After an hour of sniping, the committee later approved the Haynes nomination by a voice vote.

Following the meeting, Leahy dismissed the threats, and said the Republicans would have been embarrassed had their speeches effectively delayed the approval of the Haynes nomination.

“I think they realized partway through that this probably was not their best idea,” Leahy said.