Judiciary Committee Advances Nominations of Two Circuit Court Judges, Ten District Court Judges, and Four U.S. Attorneys

WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced the nominations of Holly A. Thomas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit and Gabriel P. Sanchez, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

The Committee also advanced the nominations of Mary Katherine Dimke, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington; Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California; Charlotte N. Sweeney, to be United States District Judge for the District of Colorado; Jennifer L. Thurston, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California; Hernan D. Vera, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California; Samantha D. Elliott, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Hampshire; Linda Lopez, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of California; Katherine Marie Menendez, to be United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota; Jinsook Ohta, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of California; and David Herrera Urias, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico.

The Committee also advanced the nominations of Gregory K. Harris, to be United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois; Philip R. Sellinger, to be United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey; Brandon B. Brown, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana; and Ronald C. Gathe, Jr., to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana.

Thomas received a vote of 11-11; Sanchez received a vote of 12-10 ; Dimke received a vote of 16-6; Frimpong received a vote of 12-10; Sweeney received a vote of 11-11; Thurston received a vote of 13-9; Vera received a vote of 11-11; Elliott received a vote of 15-7; Lopez received a vote of 12-10; Menendez received a vote of 15-7; Ohta received a vote of 12-10; and Urias received a vote of 12-10. Under the provisions of S. Res. 27, Leader Schumer may now file a discharge motion on the Thomas, Sweeney, and Vera nominations to place them on the executive calendar.

Key quotes on today’s Circuit Court nominees:

“Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Thomas dedicated her legal career to fighting for those who are too often without power or privilege. She began her legal career at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, before joining the Appellate Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. During her time with the Justice Department, Thomas argued cases before the United States Courts of Appeals for the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Ninth Circuits.”

“[Judge Thomas] has demonstrated she understands the difference between being an advocate and being a judge, having presided in a fair and evenhanded manner over a wide range of issues… If confirmed, Judge Thomas would be the first Black woman to serve on the Ninth Circuit from California, and only the second Black woman to ever serve on that Circuit. Judge Thomas’s varied professional background, her extensive appellate experience, and her tenure as a judge—including her service as a Pro Tem appellate court judge—will serve her well.”

“Judge Sanchez has extensive litigation experience and is also an experienced appellate jurist...Judge Sanchez oversaw longstanding federal class action litigation involving the California prison system and was instrumental in advancing criminal justice reform measures that prioritized public safety.”

“In addition, since his appointment to the California Court of Appeal, Judge Sanchez has demonstrated a commitment to judicial independence and evenhanded decision making, most certainly on issues involving criminal justice. He is independent minded and highly qualified.”

Durbin also spoke about the qualifications and background of Gregory K. Harris, to be United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois:

“[Greg Harris] is an outstanding nominee to serve as the next U.S. Attorney for my home district: the Central District of Illinois… As a federal prosecutor, he has tried more than 50 cases to verdict or judgment, specializing in cases of fraud, bankruptcy, and human trafficking.”

“He is a pillar of our community in Springfield, leading many charitable endeavors. His nomination is historic. In Mr. Lincoln’s hometown, he will become the first Black U.S. Attorney in the history of the Central District.”

The Committee also advanced S. 2340, the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2021 which would bolster efforts to protect the federal judiciary and safeguard the personally identifiable information of federal judges and their immediate families. It authorizes funding for the federal judiciary to monitor and assess online threats, maintain records, investigate complaints and address acts of aggression and violations. It would also allow the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to hire additional intelligence analysts, deputy U.S. Marshals, and other personnel to ensure the agency is able to anticipate and deter threats to federal judges.

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

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