Indian-American confirmed as judge

Washington, March 14 

Neomi Rao, a prominent Indian-American lawyer, has been confirmed for a powerful federal judgeship by the US Senate after she came under scrutiny for her past writings on sexual assaults.

Rao, 45, was confirmed for the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, one of the most powerful Benches in the country, by 53-46 votes on Wednesday in the Senate, which was basically on party lines. She will replace controversial Brett Kavanaugh who endured a bitter confirmation battle last year after US President Donald Trump named him to the US Supreme Court.

At present, Rao serves as the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget.  

Her confirmation came amidst stiff resistance from the Opposition Democratic lawmakers and even some Republicans. There was a nationwide campaign against Rao by rights groups. 

She faced fierce questioning not just for her work in the Trump administration, but for commentary she wrote decades ago as a Yale University student suggesting women should change their behaviour to avoid date rape. Rao apologised last month for her previous writing. — PTI