Republicans in the Senate blocked yet another nominee to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday.

The D.C. Circuit has three vacancies. But Republicans have refused to allow the Senate to vote on nominees selected by President Barack Obama.

"The American people and our judicial system deserve better," Obama said in a statement. "A majority of the United States Senate supports these three extraordinary nominees, and it is time for simple yes-or-no votes without further obstruction or delay."

Patricia Ann Millett, a Washington, D.C., attorney, was one of the blocked nominees. She has extensive experience in Indian law and recently won a decision on behalf of tribal interests in Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, a voting rights case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court

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 block another Obama court pick (The Washington Post 11/18)
Senate Republicans prolong nominations fight, thwart Obama pick for key appeals court (AP 11/18)
Obama Pick for Court Is 3rd in a Row Blocked by Republicans (The New York Times 11/19)

Related Stories:
Senate Republicans prevent action on nominee for DC Circuit (11/01)
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)