Since 2001, I have headed the environmental community’s Judging the Environment project on federal judicial nominations. There has been good and bad news since The Pilot’s July 30 “Burr Can Unfreeze Judge Nominations” editorial.

You aptly described “the virtual freeze that Republicans have imposed on judges and others nominated by President Obama” and how GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell blocked floor votes on nominations of North Carolina judges Albert Diaz and Jim Wynn to the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

After an Aug. 4 Public Policy Polling survey showed North Carolina voters overwhelmingly (58 percent to 16 percent) supported prompt votes on Diaz and Wynn, senators finally confirmed Judge Wynn by unanimous consent.

Sen. Richard Burr’s press release, however, absurdly stated: “I hope the majority leader will put political gamesmanship aside and make the confirmation of Judge Diaz a priority.”

Senate Republican holds (threatened filibusters) continue the “virtual freeze” on judicial nominees. These include Diaz, whom the Judiciary Committee approved (19-0) the same day as Wynn more than six months ago; and N.C. federal district court nominee Catherine Eagles, who was also approved in committee without dissent months ago.

Burr is unable or unwilling to convince his Republican colleagues to allow floor votes on Diaz and Eagles. The only alternative is impractical.

Federal judicial vacancies have risen to more than 100; the Senate cannot waste the day or more of floor time required to force a final vote on each consensus nominee.

Glenn Sugameli

Arlington, Va.