Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
President Obama made history Tuesday evening by nominating the first Muslim American to the federal judiciary. The president selected Abid R. Qureshi, a Washington, D.C.-based lawyer, to serve in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. “I am pleased to nominate Mr. Qureshi to serve on the United States District Court bench,” Obama said in a statement. “I am confident he will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.” Qureshi has been recognized by professional organizations for his work in public service, pro-bono work, and civil-liberties advocacy. However, because Senate Republicans have made it a point to stop confirming Obama’s judicial picks, with just four months left in his presidency, it is unlikely a hearing will take place to confirm Qureshi.