Jon Kyl: “I conclude with a quick comment about the need to fill this position in Arizona. In 1999, Congress created nine new…”

“I conclude with a quick comment about the need to fill this position in Arizona. In 1999, Congress created nine new Federal district court judgeships--four for Florida, two for Nevada, and three for Arizona. The Nevada positions and three of four in Florida have been confirmed, but none has been confirmed yet for Arizona. That is why this is such an important matter as we conclude our business this year. These nominees are needed to handle the ever-increasing caseload in Arizona, and here is an illustration of that caseload. Our criminal felony caseload has increased 60 percent in the last 3 years. The district of Arizona ranks second in total weighted filings for a judge among the Nation's 94 districts, by the way, twice the national average--901 compared to the national average of 472. We are fourth in weighted felony filings per judgeship. Felony filings per judgeship weighted are 236 percent above the national average. So you can see, Mr. President, why this burgeoning amount of work in Arizona requires that we fill these positions.”