Jack Reed: “Thank you very much, Senator Whitehouse. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of Melissa R. DuBose to be a…”

“Thank you very much, Senator Whitehouse. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of Melissa R. DuBose to be a judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Let me thank my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee for advancing her nomination on a bipartisan vote last week. I would like to particularly thank Senator Whitehouse for his leadership, not just here, but so many times on the Judiciary Committee and in the Senate. Like Senator Whitehouse, I look forward, in a few minutes, to her confirmation as a district judge. Judge DuBose served with distinction at the State level as an associate judge in the Rhode Island district court. She has proven to be an exceptional jurist with a sterling track record. As a judge, she is known for ensuring proceedings in her courtroom are fair and efficient. She is someone who not only knows the law but understands that her task as a judge is to seek justice. She will fill the seat being vacated by Judge William E. Smith, who will be taking senior status. Judge Smith is a model of professionalism and integrity. He, along with Rhode Island's other current sitting judges on the Federal district court, as Senator Whitehouse noted, are enthusiastic about the nomination of Judge DuBose. Indeed, they wrote: Melissa is an outstanding choice to join the federal bench--she is supremely qualified, her ethics are impeccable, and her temperament is judicious.…”