Sullivan votes yes, Murkowski absent as Senate confirms Texas judge 46-44

The U.S. Senate confirmed Arthur Roberts Jones, a Trump nominee, to a federal judgeship in Texas on Monday by two votes, with Dan Sullivan voting yes and Lisa Murkowski absent from the roll call.

The 46-44 vote on July 13 placed Jones on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, a court that handles immigration and border-related cases along the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump first nominated Jones, a South Texas prosecutor, to the McAllen Division of that court.

Murkowski's absence is recorded as Not Voting. Her office had not provided an explanation as of the vote date.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said he was confident the nominees would serve well. "I am confident that these nominees will serve the people of Texas and the nation with distinction, and I urge my colleagues to support their confirmations," Cornyn said.