WASHINGTON—The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved Elena Kagan for a position on the Supreme Court, largely along party lines, sending her nomination to the full Senate for a likely vote in the first week of August.

Ms. Kagan, whose Senate confirmation appears probable, would join the Supreme Court when its 2010-11 session begins in October and would become the fourth woman to serve on the court.

The committee vote was 13-6, with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) joining all the panel's Democrats in supporting Ms. Kagan's nomination. Last year, Mr. Graham was also the only senator on the committee to break ranks with his party and vote in favor of Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court.

"I'm going to vote for [Ms. Kagan] because I believe the last election had consequences," Mr. Graham told the committee shortly before its vote. "This president chose someone who is qualified, who has the experience and knowledge to serve on the Supreme Court."

He added, "What's in Elena Kagan's heart is that of a good person who has a philosophy I disagree with."