Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) released a statement this afternoon reemphasizing his support at the conclusion of Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Commitee. The committee today wrapped up four days of questioning of the Supreme Court nominee; currently, both Democratic and Republican witnesses are testifying before the senators.
Read the statement below:
I want to congratulate Chairman Leahy for conducting informative, spirited confirmation hearings and thank both Chairman Leahy and Ranking Member Sessions for their commitment to a fair and open process.
Once again, I commend the President for selecting such an accomplished, qualified and experienced jurist to replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor has the right combination of legal experience and perspective on the lessons of the real world. She has a unique understanding of the responsibilities of the judicial branch and a respect for both the law and the people to whom the law is applied.
Her performance at this week’s hearings has only strengthened my belief that Judge Sotomayor will be a fine Supreme Court Justice. Her grasp of the issues, her experience on the bench and her record of moderate rulings that put the rule of law before everything else were on display this week.
It is particularly encouraging that Judge Sotomayor will be our first Latina Supreme Court Justice – a fact that should be a source of pride, not only for Hispanic Americans, but all Americans.
I look forward to the committee’s vote on Judge Sotomayor’s nomination and a vote before the full Senate in a timely fashion.
