Introduction
President Joe Biden's nomination of Adeel Mangi to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals represents a significant step in diversifying the federal judiciary. Should he be confirmed, Mangi would become the first Muslim American federal appellate judge. However, his nomination has been met with intense scrutiny and partisan discord, raising doubts about his suitability for the position.
Adeel Mangi: A Profile
Adeel A. Mangi, currently a lawyer at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, boasts an impressive legal background and a strong commitment to community service. His involvement with organizations such as the Muslim Bar Association of New York and the Legal Aid Society of New York underscores his dedication to advocacy and support for marginalized communities but on the other hand it also raises doubts about his potential bias against Israel.
Partisan Attacks and Allegations
Mangi's confirmation process has been fraught with aggressive questioning and allegations from Senate Republicans. Adeel Mangi faced intense scrutiny during his nomination process for the federal bench, particularly regarding his views on Israel, terrorism, and antisemitism.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has endorsed Mangi's nomination, praising his integrity, commitment to pluralism, and advocacy against discrimination. They urge senators to disregard partisan attacks and focus on Mangi's qualifications for the job. The Democrat-led Senate Judiciary Committee approved Mangi's nomination, sending it to the full chamber for confirmation.
However, 10 House Republicans have demanded President Biden withdraw Mangi's nomination, citing concerns about the center's activities and Mangi's alleged failure to denounce antisemitic rhetoric. They argue that anyone associated with the center has no place in the federal judiciary. The lawmakers specifically pointed to a 2021 event held by the center commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which featured a panel discussion with Sami Al-Arian, a convicted member of the Palestine Islamic Jihad terrorist group. They accuse Mangi of refusing to denounce the center or its supposed radical ideology.
House Republicans remain adamant that Mangi's nomination should be withdrawn due to concerns about his impartiality, particularly in light of rising antisemitism.
Defense and Support
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates expressed President Biden's pride in nominating Adeel Abdullah Mangi, emphasizing Mangi's indisputable qualifications and commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. Bates condemned GOP attacks on Mangi as "vile" and "unconscionable smears," noting that Jewish advocacy organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee, had discredited them.
Bates highlighted that the Constitution forbids religious litmus tests and criticized lawmakers, including Senators Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz, and Josh Hawley, for spreading "hateful and undignified attacks." Democrats defended Mangi, arguing that he should not be held accountable for others' statements or actions. During the Senate Judiciary Committee vote, Senator Cory Booker cited Mangi's denouncement of Hamas and accused Republicans of seeking "guilt by association." Committee Chair Dick Durbin criticized GOP lawmakers for their opposition, alleging that it was motivated by Mangi's Muslim-American background.
In response, Judiciary Committee Republicans, including Senator Cruz, accused Durbin of "screaming Islamophobia" and criticized Democrats for supporting Mangi despite his alleged association with an antisemitic organization. Senator Amy Klobuchar highlighted the inconsistency in applying judgments, noting that if everyone were held responsible for past associations, few would be eligible for positions.
What Republicans Say
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, a Democratic senator, has become the first to publicly express concerns about Adeel Mangi's affiliation with the Alliance of Families for Justice. The organization's co-founder, Kathy Boudin, was convicted of felony murder for her role in a Brinks armored truck robbery in 1981, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers. Cortez Masto has voiced her apprehensions to Bloomberg Government, citing the organization's connections to individuals involved in killing police officers.
While Cortez Masto has not explicitly called for Mangi's nomination to be withdrawn, she has conveyed her concerns to her leadership and the White House. Meanwhile, some Senate Democrats in purple states have remained non-committal regarding Mangi's nomination, amidst a campaign by Senate Republicans and conservative legal groups opposing it.
Senate Republicans have emphasized Mangi's ties to the Alliance of Families for Justice and his past involvement with the Center for Security, Race, and Rights at Rutgers Law School during his confirmation hearing. They have raised concerns about alleged anti-Israel and antisemitic speech associated with these organizations. In response, Mangi clarified that his role with the Center for Security, Race, and Rights was limited to advising on academic research issues, and he was not aware of any radical events or rhetoric. He also condemned terrorism, antisemitism, and specific attacks. Pressure from conservative groups and constituents has led to hesitancy among certain Democrats, further proof of Mangi's lack of public support and trust.
Despite concerns raised by Senate Democrats and staff to the White House regarding insufficient votes for Mangi's confirmation, the White House has strongly supported Mangi's nomination. The White House has criticized Republican attacks on Mangi as a "cruel, Islamophobic smear campaign," reaffirming President Biden's full support for Mangi's nomination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Adeel Mangi's nomination to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has sparked significant controversy and partisan division. While Mangi has reiterated his commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, questions surrounding his affiliations and past associations have raised doubts about his suitability for the position. Despite staunch support from the White House and Democratic allies, opposition from Senate Republicans and concerns voiced by some Senate Democrats suggest a lack of consensus on Mangi's nomination. As the confirmation process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Mangi's nomination will garner the necessary support for confirmation or if further scrutiny will lead to his withdrawal from consideration.
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