On the recordSeptember 13, 2010
Madam President, I rise to speak in support of Solicitor General Elena Kagan. Solicitor General Elena Kagan is widely regarded as one of the Nation's leading legal scholars. Her public service and legal experience, work as a teacher, service as a White House and Senate aide, and representing the government as the Nation's Solicitor General, have contributed to Ms. Kagan's intellect, judgment, and independence. As the first woman to serve as dean at Harvard Law School, Ms. Kagan was highly respected for her ability to build consensus among diverse groups. She diversified the political discourse on campus by hiring professors from a wide political spectrum. While working as a White House aide, Ms. Kagan was known to reach across the aisle to work with both Democrats and Republicans on issues like restricting tobacco companies from targeting ads at children. As the daughter of a public school teacher and a housing lawyer, Ms. Kagan understands that decisions made by the Supreme Court have an impact on the lives of Americans. As Solicitor General, she has argued cases to protect consumers, prevent elections from being taken over by special interests, and protect our national security. Ms. Kagan recognizes the extraordinary role of the Supreme Court to uphold the law and enable all Americans to receive a fair hearing and an equal chance at justice. Solicitor General Kagan has my full support in her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. ____________________





