Durbin Delivers Opening Statement in Latest Judicial Nominations Hearing

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Holly A. Thomas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; 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; and Hernan D. Vera, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California. During his opening remarks, Durbin noted that the nominees are highly qualified and bring important professional and demographic diversity to their positions.

Key quotes:

“All six of the nominees on today’s slate will be ready on day one to be effective, impartial, and even-handed. They represent an important cross section of professional experience.”

“Collectively, the six nominees have worked on civil rights, public interest and labor law, as well as attorneys for state counties and federal agencies including the Department of Justice and serving as federal prosecutors.”

“Their qualifications are impressive. They understand the difference of being an advocate and being a judge, and the limited role they assume in the judiciary. And above all, they know their allegiance to the Constitution and the rule of law.”

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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