At least two Republican lawmakers have signaled that they will oppose Bove’s confirmation to the Third Circuit — but the nominee remains on track to survive a final Senate vote in the coming days.

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday advanced the nomination of Emil Bove, a top Justice Department official, to serve as a federal circuit judge.

The alleged incident goes to the heart of the objections raised by critics who worry about Bove's respect for the rule of law.