Despite opposition from a key Democratic senator, the U.S. Senate is moving forward with a vote on one of President Biden’s nominees for a federal appeals court.

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, often seen as a crucial swing vote in the evenly divided Senate, recently announced his opposition to the nominee, putting the confirmation in question. Nevertheless, Senate leadership has decided to proceed with a vote, underscoring the determination to advance President Biden’s judicial picks.

While Manchin did not provide explicit reasons for his opposition, he stated that he had reviewed the nominee’s qualifications and records thoroughly and had arrived at a decision that was “in the best interests” of the Senate and the nation.

Manchin’s opposition could potentially be a significant roadblock, given the Senate’s razor-thin party division, with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans. In such a tightly balanced setup, every Democratic vote is crucial for the success of Biden’s nominations.

Despite this hurdle, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is determined to advance the nominee’s confirmation. Schumer expressed confidence in the nominee and affirmed the need to fill judicial vacancies with qualified individuals who reflect the “diversity and richness” of the nation.

Republicans have largely remained silent on how they will vote, leaving the outcome uncertain. Still, this move signals the continued commitment of the Senate to press ahead with the Biden administration’s judicial nominees, even in the face of internal party disagreement.

The upcoming vote will likely shed light on the broader dynamics at play within the Senate and possibly signal the direction of future judicial confirmations under the Biden administration.