The U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary convened on July 30, 2025, to conduct nomination hearings for two judicial candidates: Joshua Dunlap for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and Chad Meredith for the U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

The session began with Senator Susan Collins introducing Joshua Dunlap, emphasizing his qualifications and the nomination process in Maine. Collins detailed how an advisory committee selects judicial nominees, noting that Dunlap was the top choice of this committee. She highlighted Dunlap's impressive background, including graduating first in his class from Notre Dame Law School and his extensive experience in civil litigation at Pierce Atwood in Portland, Maine. Collins praised Dunlap's character and commitment to the rule of law, citing letters of support from a diverse group of legal professionals who commended his respect for differing views and judicial temperament. She concluded by expressing confidence in Dunlap's ability to serve effectively if confirmed.

Following Collins, Senator Mitch McConnell introduced Chad Meredith, describing him as an outstanding nominee chosen by President Trump. McConnell recounted his first encounter with Meredith during an internship in 2003 and praised his academic achievements, including graduating summa cum laude from both Washington and Lee University and the University of Kentucky College of Law. He noted Meredith's role as Kentucky's first solicitor general, where he gained a reputation for fairness and professionalism. McConnell shared that numerous solicitors general from across the country support Meredith's nomination, emphasizing his ability to evaluate legal arguments impartially. He acknowledged the strong backing from Meredith's family and community, expressing confidence in his potential to excel on the federal bench.

The meeting underscored the importance of the Senate's role in confirming judicial nominees, with both Collins and McConnell articulating their strong support for their respective candidates. The committee's deliberations will continue as they consider the qualifications and backgrounds of Dunlap and Meredith before making their recommendations.