Blue slip

A blue slip is a form that the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee sends to the two senators from a nominee's home state when the president nominates someone to a federal district court, U.S. attorney, or U.S. marshal post in that state. Traditionally, the committee does not move forward on the nomination unless both senators return the slip indicating approval.

The practice dates to the early twentieth century and its application has varied by chair. For appeals court nominees, chairs have mostly stopped honoring it since the 2010s, since appeals courts cover several states, though a few chairs have. For district courts and U.S. attorneys, the practice has continued under chairs of both parties, although some have debated ending it.

Supporters, including senators who want a say over local appointments, view it as a way to ensure consultation and moderation of nominees. Opponents, including presidents who face senators from the opposing party, argue it lets individual senators block qualified nominees and shifts power over the judiciary from the president to the Senate. Blue slips illustrate how informal rules shape advice and consent, alongside the senate hold.