Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek on Judge Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court

 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court:

"History was made today by Judge Sonia Sotomayor who has earned the distinct privilege of being confirmed as a United States Supreme Court Justice.  Now is Judge Sotomayor's moment to celebrate what is so plainly deserved - the confirmation of a first rate jurist to the highest court in the land who is faithful to the constitution and laws of the United States.   
 
"For over two months, her judicial philosophy was analyzed and words were examined.  Yet, Judge Sotomayor withstood and overcame the scrutiny she faced.  Her confirmation demonstrates that she is a mainstream jurist with a judicial temperament befitting a seat on the Supreme Court. 
 
"Throughout this process, a lasting image for me was that of Judge Sonia Sotomayor's mother, Celina, a resident of Margate, Florida who was the portrait of pride standing in the East Room of the White House witnessing her daughter's nomination by President Barack Obama.  As a Latina and as a mother, this is a moment too for Celina Sotomayor to rejoice in her daughter's accomplishment.  The Puerto Rican community and Latinos throughout Florida and the nation are undoubtedly joining the Sotomayors in this moment of pride.
 
"The Senate has carried out its constitutional duty by holding thorough and substantive confirmation hearings on President Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court.  I look forward to seeing her take the oath for the seat she is about to occupy and wish her a heartfelt congratulations on this momentous occasion."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek is serving in his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the 17th Congressional District of Florida, which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.  He is the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.  Meek also serves on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and is a member of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.  Prior to his election to Congress, Meek served eight years in the Florida House and Senate and was a captain in the Florida Highway Patrol. 

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