Political Quotes

“I rise today to join my friend and colleague Senator Cortez Masto in opposing the nomination of Lawrence VanDyke to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Nevada. Our Federal courts make decisions every day that affect consumers, immigrants, small businesses, not to mention our right to equal treatment, education, and healthcare. As such, our Federal judges must be serious, fairminded, and nonpartisan. We want women and men on the Federal bench who will look at the facts of a case, apply the law, and work hard to reach a just result regardless of who the parties are in front of them. The Federal bench must reflect our country in all its diversity of experience and background. Even though the Constitution gives the President the power to nominate Federal judges, it also requires the advice and consent of the Senate, and historically the President consults with home state Senators when there is a vacancy. As the representatives to our States, we are better equipped to identify qualified lawyers and judges to serve on the Federal bench who have done good work and who have good reputations in our home communities. We have numerous qualified, nonpartisan individuals working in the Nevada legal community who would make excellent additions to the Ninth Circuit. There are a number of amazing Nevada lawyers whom Senator Cortez Masto and I would have gladly considered supporting for a seat on this prestigious court.…”