Trump had nominated Habba, whom he tapped on an interim basis in March, for the full-time appointment. But Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim used blue slips — which empower home-state senators to block U.S. attorney and District Court judge nominees — to keep her from advancing in the chamber.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba reacts to Senate lawmakers upholding the 'blue slip' tradition regarding judicial nominations to U.S. circuit and district courts.

Texas Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, asks questions of Texas Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, as he recommends the proposed redistricting map while the Texas Senate prepares to take a vote on the redistricting bill passed by the Texas House of Representatives, Aug. 22, 2025.

Republican lawmakers pushed the map through over fierce Democratic opposition, positioning the GOP to net up to five additional seats in Texas.

By Brad Brooks (Reuters) -The Texas Senate approved a bill early on Saturday to redraw the state's congressional maps at the behest of President Donald Trump in an effort to flip five U.S. House seats held by Democrats to Republicans.