While Senator Dianne Feinstein was away from the Senate recovering from a serious case of shingles, Senate Democrats had a difficult time moving judicial nominees forward. Her absence from the Senate Judiciary Committee meant that the committee could deadlock on approving nominees, and Senate Democrats have not always had votes to spare on the floor.

Now that Senator Feinstein has returned, Senate Democrats are pushing nominees forward. On Monday, the Senate confirmed Bradley Garcia to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Garcia became the first Hispanic judge on that court, but only because Senate Democrats successfully filibustered President George W. Bush’s nomination of Miguel Estrada, two decades ago.

Yesterday, the Senate also confirmed Nancy Abudu to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. West Virginia senator Joe Manchin joined Republicans present in voting against her confirmation.

Assuming Senator Feinstein stays in Washington, votes for other controversial nominees, such as Julie Rikelman for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, Rachel Bloomekatz for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and Dale Ho for the Southern District of New York would seem likely.