Trump Shifts Balance of Court That Hears Contract Disputes (1)

President Donald Trump flipped to a majority of Republican appointees a little-known federal court that can have a potentially big impact on claims relating to government contracts and property seizures.

The U.S. Senate on Monday night easily confirmed Richard Hertling, who is of counsel at Covington and Burling, and Ryan Holte, a University of Akron law professor, to 15-year terms on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Hertling cleared the chamber by a vote of 69 to 27, while Holte was approved 60 to 35.

Trump is moving aggressively to fill four vacancies on the court as part ...