Republican senators delay panel vote on Sotomayor; Judiciary Committee to act July 28

Judiciary Republicans delay Sotomayor vote 1 week

WASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee has put off its vote on Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor (SOHN’-ya soh-toh-my-YOR’) for one week after Republicans asked for a delay.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy says the vote will occur on July 28. The Vermont Democrat says he’s disappointed the GOP held up the committee’s action, but predicts Sotomayor will join the Supreme Court in time for an earlier-than-usual first meeting on Sept 9.

Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, the senior Judiciary Committee Republican, says President Barack Obama’s first high court nominee is on track to be confirmed in early August — a slightly faster timetable than GOP-nominated Chief Justice John Roberts.

Sotomayor is expected to be confirmed easily.