Senate confirms John Thomas Shepherd as U.S. District Judge, Western District of Arkansas
On the Nomination PN787-3
APR 14, 2026 · 11:25 AM ET
A party-line vote. 3 votes to spare over the 50 needed.
What the Senate was voting on
This was a confirmation vote for a Presidential Nomination, which is how the Senate approves people for high-ranking jobs in the federal government. Under the Constitution, the President picks people for roles like federal judges, cabinet secretaries, or agency heads, but those individuals cannot start their jobs until the Senate gives its approval. This specific vote was the final step for a nominee (identified as PN 787) to officially join the executive or judicial branch.
Confirm John Thomas Shepherd as U.S. District Judge, Western District of Arkansas.
Reject the nomination.
The Judiciary
Confirmed on April 14, 2026.
- VP
- On a 50–50 tie the Vice President can cast the deciding vote.
50 is a majority of the 99 senators voting yes or no. Members voting “present” or absent don’t count.
- VP
- On a 50–50 tie the Vice President can cast the deciding vote.
A straight party-line voteStraight party line.
Every vote on PN 787-3Every vote on PN 787-3
- JAN 29Received in the SenateRECEIVED
- MAR 5Reported by committeeREPORTED
- MAR 27Cloture motion filedFILED
- APR 13#75Cloture on the nominationPASSED50–44
- APR 14#76THIS VOTEOn the nominationCONFIRMED53–463 votes to spare over the 50 needed.
