Republicans delay Sotomayor vote one week

WASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee has put off its vote on U.S. Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor for one week after Republicans asked for a delay.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy says the vote will occur on July 28. The Democrat says he is disappointed the Republicans held up the committee’s action, but predicts Sotomayor will join the Supreme Court in time for an earlier-than-usual first meeting on Sept 9.

Sen. Jeff Sessions, the top Judiciary Committee Republican, said Tuesday President Barack Obama’s first high court nominee is on track to be confirmed in early August — a slightly faster timetable than Republican-nominated Chief Justice John Roberts.

Sotomayor is expected to be confirmed easily.