The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-7 along party lines to approve the nomination of Goodwin Liu to be a judge on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Liu's nomination has been controversial among Republicans. They say he has expressed liberal views on issues like affirmative action and same-sex marriage.

The 9th Circuit hears a significant number of cases affecting tribal governments, American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. It covers Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Get the Story:
Goodwin Liu appeals court nomination advances (The Washington Post 5/14)
Disputed Judicial Nominee Advances on Party-Line Vote (The New York Times 5/14)