Senate lawmakers confirmed Zahid Quraishi’s appointment to U.S. District Court in New Jersey on Thursday, establishing the Army veteran as the first Muslim American to serve as a federal judge. The Senate approved Quraishi’s nomination by an 81-16 vote. A tally included “yay” votes from 34 Republican senators. “Zahid Quraishi is a man of integrity, a consummate public servant, and a trailblazer for Asian Americans and Muslim Americans across this country who dream of one day presiding over a court of their own,” said Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J.