July : Senate approves Nina Pillard 51 - 44 to serve on federal appeals court in California . Republicans are angry over the change that weakens their hand in opposing confirmation . Until last month , longstanding Senate rules required a supermajority of 60 votes to break a filibuster over a presidential nominee . The new rules imposed by majority Democrats help to speed up confirmation . Overnight session forced by GOP is one way to express frustration and slow the process .
July : Senate approves Nina Pillard 51 - 44 to serve on federal appeals court in California . Republicans are angry over the change that weakens their hand in opposing confirmation . The new rules imposed by majority Democrats help to speed up confirmation . Overnight session forced by GOP is one way to express frustration and slow the process .