Political Quotes

“I rise this afternoon to urge my colleagues to oppose the confirmation of Matthew Kacsmaryk to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas. I believe that every individual we consider for a lifetime appointment to serve on the Federal bench should have the demonstrated legal acumen and experience but also a commitment to ensuring fair treatment for anyone who might come before their court. With a troubling record of professional work and personal statements attacking lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, Mr. Kacsmaryk fails this test, and the Senate must reject his nomination. Mr. Kacsmaryk currently serves as deputy general counsel of First Liberty Institute, and in that role he has challenged the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, argued against marriage equality, supported schools in barring transgender students from using restrooms consistent with their gender identities, and opposed a State law requiring that pharmacies stock emergency contraception. My colleagues may recall another nominee associated with this organization, Jeff Mateer, who was First Liberty's general counsel until 2016 and was nominated by President Trump for a judgeship in the Eastern District of Texas. Mateer's nomination was ultimately withdrawn in light of his public statements hostile to LGBTQ people, including that same-sex marriage is ``disgusting'' and transgender children are a part of ``Satan's plan.'' Mr.…”