Senate Republicans failed miserably in recent few months to confirm dozens of excellent judicial nominees. Shame on them. They should return to work between Christmas and New Year’s Day to confirm at least a few nominees who have waited the longest.

Because judicial nominations are not subject to Senate filibusters (meaning they can pass with 50 votes plus Vice President Mike Pence, rather than 60), and because they are so valued by conservatives, Senate Republicans could have more easily pleased their core supporters on judges than on any other subject. But after doing well on this front for 18 months, Republicans lost focus. Unless something drastically changes in the next 36 hours, 57 nominations will expire without receiving a vote when this Congress adjourns.