Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Latest District Court 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 Kenly Kiya Kato, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California; Jennifer Louise Rochon, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; and Sunshine Suzanne Sykes, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California. During his opening remarks, Durbin spoke about the nominees’ qualifications to serve on the federal bench.
Key quotes:
“Today, we will hear from three district court nominees: Judge Kenly Kato… nominated to the Central District of California; Jennifer Rochon, [nominated to] the Southern District of New York; and Judge Sunshine Sykes, [nominated to] the Central District of California.”
“All three are well qualified. Two have prior judicial experience, all three have significant trial experience, and all three have management experience—an important consideration when judges are handling busy dockets.”
“All three understand the role of a judge, are committed to evenhandedness and impartiality, and have promised to be guided by their fidelity to the rule of law.”
During his opening remarks, Durbin also spoke about Justice Stephen Breyer’s announcement to retire at the end of the current Supreme Court term and the upcoming confirmation process in the Senate Judiciary Committee once President Biden nominates Justice Breyer’s successor.
Key quotes:
“During his nearly three decades on the Supreme Court, Justice Breyer has employed rigorous constitutional analysis and pragmatic thinking in pursuit of protecting Americans’ freedoms and dignity… To Justice Breyer, the law and Constitution are not simply abstract topics, but rather forces in the fabric of American life.”
“He has been a champion of protecting the right to vote, safeguarding American consumers, keeping our water clean to drink and our air clean to breathe, and defending women’s reproductive freedoms.”
“He has dedicated his life not simply to public service, but to the ideals for which we strive—freedom, equality, and a Constitution that works for us all.”
“His successor, no doubt, has big shoes to fill. But I am confident that the President’s nominee will be up to the task—whoever it may be.”
“This Committee will undertake a fair and timely process to examine her record and determine her fitness for the Court. That process must not only be fair to members of this Committee, but also to the nominee herself. And so, it is my expectation that this Committee and all its members will treat the nominee with respect and an open mind.”
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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