Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned judicial nominees during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
Durbin first questioned Judge Daniel Ballou, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, about his concerning comments involving specialty courts. Judge Ballou called specialty courts, such as drug courts, “social engineering,” and claimed they were “doing great harm by validating and encouraging excuse making and promoting a lack of accountability.” During his questioning, Durbin noted he disagrees with Judge Ballou’s views on specialty courts. Department of Justice and Government Accountability Office research has shown that drug treatment courts significantly reduce recidivism, save costs for the criminal justice system, and reduce drug use.
“Can you explain that [Judge Ballou’s past statements on specialty courts]?” Durbin asked.
Judge Ballou doubled down on his previous comments about specialty courts and noted they are “avenues for excuse makings.”
Durbin then asked Judge Trevor Pemberton, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and Zachary West, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, about their anti-abortion records.
In 2022 and 2023, Mr. West defended Oklahoma’s draconian abortion restrictions before the Oklahoma Supreme Court—including limitations on medication abortion and a law that would have prohibited nearly all abortions, even if the life of the mother was at stake. Judge Pemberton called this same Oklahoma Supreme Court decision, where a woman has a right to terminate her pregnancy to preserve her life, “remarkably troubling.”
“Can you explain today your thoughts on that issue—and whether there should be an exception to save the life of the pregnant mother?” Durbin asked.
Mr. West deflected Durbin’s question by stating the topic of abortion is a “political debate.”
“Judge Pemberton, you said that you found that decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court [that a woman has a right to terminate her pregnancy] to preserve her life to be ‘remarkably troubling.’ Is that your view today?” Durbin asked.
Like Mr. West, Judge Pemberton deflected noting that as a judicial nominee, he could not comment on abortion.
Durbin then asked Judge Pemberton about his record advocating against tribal sovereignty.
“Could you please state your position or at least whether you will follow precedent when it comes to tribal sovereignty?” Durbin asked.
Despite his record, Judge Pemberton responded that he is not opposed to tribal sovereignty.
Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
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