Her life captured the spirit of community and change and progress that is at the heart of the American experience.

I did emphasize to them that community banks do have a responsibility to their customers.

I think the main message that I want everybody to take away is that there remains enormous opportunities as we come out of this recession for businesses to start growing again and to start hiring again.

Richard Mark Gergel, of South Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina.

They will be esteemed additions to the federal bench for the people of South Carolina.

He has displayed courage and persistence in the pursuit of justice, and I am honored to nominate him today to continue his selfless work on behalf of the people of South Carolina as a U.S. Marshal.

It is especially meaningful for me that she lived to cast a vote on election day 2008.

I am grateful for their dedication to public service.

Sheriff Washington has dedicated his career to protecting his fellow South Carolinians.

Community banks serve a vital function all across the country.

I am confident they will succeed in their new roles and I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.

J. Michelle Childs, of South Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina.

Ann lived a life of service.

William Nettles' legal career has been distinguished and impressive.

Michelle and I offer our deepest condolences to all who loved Ann Nixon Cooper.

Now is the time for us to seize opportunities.

We are here today for a simple reason: at a time when we face not only a fiscal crisis, but also a host of difficult challenges as a nation, business as usual in Washington just won't do.

I hope all of you guys remember that as well.