08/06/2009
Pelosi Statement on Senate Confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the Senate's confirmation this afternoon of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States:
"Today is a proud and historic moment for our country. Judge Sonia Sotomayor's life story, including her many years of distinguished service on the federal bench, is a testament to the American values of opportunity and justice. The confirmation of our nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice underscores our nation's commitment to equality, which is our heritage and our hope.
"I congratulate Judge Sotomayor on her confirmation, and I am proud that our nation's highest court will soon benefit from her service.
"She will make an outstanding Justice and will serve with great distinction for many years to come. She will preserve our civil liberties, maintain the independence of the judiciary, and protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
"I commend President Obama for his nomination of Judge Sotomayor and the strong leadership of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy for the Senate's timely confirmation."