Republicans in the Senate blocked the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett for a seat on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday.

Democrats needed 60 votes to overcome a GOP filibuster on the nomination. But they fell five votes short, according to the roll call.

Millett, who has has argued 32 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, has extensive experience in Indian law. She recently won a decision on behalf of tribal interests in Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, a voting rights case.

Despite her achievements, Republicans plan to block the nomination. They say the D.C. Circuit doesn't need another judge even though there are three vacancies.

The D.C. Circuit has heard a number of high-profile Indian law cases, including the Cobell trust fund lawsuit, the Cherokee Freedmen dispute, the Patchak land-into-trust case and the San Manuel labor law case.

It is often seen as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court -- of the nine justices, four served on the D.C. Circuit.

Get the Story:
Senate Republicans filibuster two of President Obama’s nominees (The Washington Post 11/1)
G.O.P. Filibuster of 2 Obama Picks Sets Up Fight (The New York Times 11/1)

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Senate Democrats set vote on nominee for seat on DC Circuit (10/30)
Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing for DC Circuit pick (07/10)
Supreme Court sides with tribes in Arizona voting rights case (6/17)
Obama to announce nominations for three seats on DC Circuit (06/04)