The case for Judge Sotomayor's confirmation is built on her vast experience, keen intellect, and tremendous qualifications.

It is our overwhelming belief that Judge Sotomayor meets these criteria.

Today is a great national opportunity. It's an opportunity to recognize that the nomination of one of the most qualified candidates to the Supreme Court in American history could not have happened anywhere else in the world.

Judge Sotomayor's story is a great American story and, I might add, a great New York story as well.

And you have never relied on a foreign court to interpret U.S. law nor would you.

The only point I am making here, if some are seeking to suggest that your empathy or sympathy overrules rule of law, this is a pretty good body of law to look at.

The appropriate remedial scheme for deaths occurring off the United States coast is clearly a legislative policy choice which should not be made by the courts.

I do not think she would adopt the Red Sox as her team.

I believe Judge Sotomayor's record of judicial integrity, impartiality and, as she puts it, fidelity to the law, is one we can all admire regardless of party or ideology.

This proud woman from the Bronx is perhaps the best and the brightest we have.

Sonia represents the best of American culture. She comes directly from the strand of our national character that says, 'You can be anything you want.'