Trump had nominated Habba, whom he tapped on an interim basis in March, for the full-time appointment. But Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim used blue slips — which empower home-state senators to block U.S. attorney and District Court judge nominees — to keep her from advancing in the chamber.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba reacts to Senate lawmakers upholding the 'blue slip' tradition regarding judicial nominations to U.S. circuit and district courts.

The Texas Senate approved the measure after a heated debate, marking a major step in a mid-decade redistricting effort backed by President Trump.

Republican lawmakers pushed the map through over fierce Democratic opposition, positioning the GOP to net up to five additional seats in Texas.

Texas Senate Democrats plan to filibuster the House-passed redistricting map during floor debate on Friday in a last-ditch effort to delay the final passage of the plan to create five new winnable seats for the GOP.