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The Senate confirmed Kathleen S. Lane to be a United States District Judge for the District of Montana, succeeding retiring Judge Susan P. Watters.
The Senate voted on Kathleen S. Lane’s nomination to serve as a United States District Judge for the District of Montana, replacing Susan P. Watters, who is retiring. The Senate confirmed Lane by a vote of 52–46.
The nomination is confirmed, completing the Senate’s consideration of it.
Why it matters. Confirmation fills a federal district judge position in Montana as Susan P. Watters retires.
Who’s affected. The District of Montana: Lane was confirmed to serve as a United States District Judge for this district. · People whose cases are heard in the District of Montana: Lane’s confirmation places her in the judgeship identified in the nomination.
Democrats. 44 Democrats voted no, and one did not vote.
Republicans. All 52 voting Republicans voted yes, and one did not vote.
On the Nomination PN851-3
Jun 2, 2026
The Senate confirmed Kathleen S.
Lane to be a United States District Judge for the District of Montana, succeeding retiring Judge Susan P. Watters.
A Senate vote on a nomination decides whether to confirm the person for the position. Confirmation required more yes votes than no votes among senators voting yes or no.
The nomination is confirmed, completing the Senate’s consideration of it.
Confirmation fills a federal district judge position in Montana as Susan P. Watters retires.
The vote followed party-majority positions: Republicans supported confirmation, while Democrats and the two voting independents opposed it.
44 Democrats voted no, and one did not vote.
All 52 voting Republicans voted yes, and one did not vote.
Both independents voted no.