In 2011, the senate judiciary committee was considering patty shwartz, from new jersey, as a judicial candidate for the third circuit. new jersey senator robert menendez was given the opportunity to express his approval or disapproval of her appointment. this procedural tool is referred to as

Blue slip

Explanation:

From the given case/scenario we can state that this procedural tool is referred to as the blue slip. Blue slip also referred to as the blue-slipping is considered to be one of the legislative procedures under US Congress.   A blue slip is referred to as or known as an the opinion which is written by the Senator from a state under which federal judicial nominee tends to resides.