Number: RS21674
Title: The Blue-Slip Process in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary: Background, Issues, and Options
Authors: Mitchel A. Sollenberger, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: The Senate Judiciary Committees blue-slip process has received increased interest from Senators. Traditionally, the blue slip has been used by some Senators to delay, and sometimes prevent, the confirmation of persons whom they find objectionable who have been nominated as U.S. attorney, U.S. marshal, U.S. district court judge and U.S. court of appeals judge. In recent years, various changes to the blue-slip process have eliminated the traditional veto power of blue slips. This report provides background on the blue-slip process, followed by an overview of current issues concerning blue slips, the debate over the need for a blue-slip policy, and recent and possible future changes to the process.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated November 21, 2003