Senators Spar on Religion Questions at Trump Judge Pick Hearing

Senators disagreed over whether it’s appropriate to ask nominees about religious affiliations, at a hearing for federal appeals court nominee Peter Phipps Wednesday.

President Donald Trump nominated Phipps to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Phipps has been a district judge at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania since October.

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) noted that Phipps is a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, while criticizing Democrats for asking other nominees about their membership in the group and implying it “might be disqualifying for the bench.”

Senators Mazie ...