Senate Republicans are heading into a packed lame-duck session with limited time to advance President Donald Trump's agenda before Democrats take control of the chamber in January, and confirming his remaining federal judicial nominees is emerging as one of their biggest priorities.

With less than two months remaining before the new Congress is sworn in, Republicans have a narrow window to push Trump's nominees through the Senate amid a crowded slate of year-end business. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly urged Republicans to move quickly, warning that once Democrats take control in January, Trump could struggle to secure another judicial confirmation.

So far, the current Congress has confirmed 57 judges since Trump's second term began in 2025. There are currently 28 federal judicial vacancies, with 11 nominees pending for existing vacancies. Another five nominees are pending for future vacancies, meaning 16 judicial nominees remain awaiting Senate action overall.