Congressional Hispanic Caucus and National Organizations Call For Swift Consideration of Supreme Court Nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
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Congressional Hispanic Caucus and National Organizations Call for Swift Consideration of Supreme Court Nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) held a press conference in front of the Supreme Court of the United States, with CHC Members and national organizations, in support of Supreme Court Justice Nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. During the event, Members of the CHC and the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-19) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16), also urged the Senate for a swift and fair confirmation.
"Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of our nation's brightest legal minds, must receive a swift confirmation to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States," said Chair Dr. Ruiz. "The CHC believes that Judge Jackson's broad experience qualifies her to be a strong advocate for the rule of law as she set legal precedents to shape our nation's judicial system, advance human rights for all, and diligently serve the people and the Constitution. As Chair of CHC, I urge the Senate to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. We, and the nation, cannot wait for her confirmation."
"The nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court is a historic moment in our nation's history", said Congresswoman Garcia. "Judge Jackson has a remarkably brilliant legal mind and impeccable character. As a former judge myself, I can't think of anyone more qualified to serve on the highest court of the land."
"Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is a talented and brilliant jurist who will make an excellent addition to the Supreme Court. I am proud to stand with my Congressional Hispanic Caucus colleagues in urging the Senate to hold a timely and fair hearing for her," said Congresswoman Escobar. "It is no secret that women of color must work twice as hard to reach our dreams while our accomplishments face twice as much scrutiny. It will be a privilege to watch the incredibly qualified, Judge Jackson, shatter yet another ceiling."
"Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is a brilliant legal mind who has served her country and her community with distinction. At Voto Latino, we know how much the Supreme Court matters in our lives and we are dedicated to empowering our communities to make a difference at the ballot box. During the confirmation hearings next week, we'll be watching closely to see if Judge Jackson gets treated with the dignity she deserves. And—make no mistake—we'll be voting accordingly. We won't let voters forget the choices that Republican Senators make over the next few weeks. We are proud to stand behind Judge Jackson and show her that we have her back," said Maria Teresa Kumar, Voto Latino CEO.
"Judge Jackson's personal experiences and her professional expertise will bring a long-overdue and invaluable voice to the bench. Her nomination is both worthy and inspirational, and LULAC is committed to fighting for Judge Jackson's confirmation to serve on our country's highest court," said Sindy Benavides, LULAC CEO.
"The American people cannot wait. We urge the U.S. Senate to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court immediately. She is capable and ready to get to work to serve our justice system for all Americans. Her excellence and leadership will deliver equitable justice to America's more than 63.5 million Latinos and Latinas. As a nonpartisan organization, the USHCC firmly believes that the Senate can come together once again to push her nomination through, defining a significant moment in American history for the highest court. She is an outstanding nominee, and the Senate should move forward with a fair and timely confirmation," said Ramiro A. Cavazos, President and CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
"From her time as a public defender, to her service on the U.S. Sentencing Commission and now as a federal judge, Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson has a history of fairness and integrity that transcends politics, and a comprehensive legal career that will benefit both the Supreme Court and America. Judge Jackson is eminently qualified and prepared to take a seat on our nation's highest court, and as the first Black woman to do so, she would bring with her invaluable personal experience and perspective to this role. This is long overdue. As the court considers cases impacting millions of lives across our country, the stakes of this nomination could not be higher. This is especially true for black, brown and AAPI families, immigrants, women, the LGBTQ community, and religious minorities. We urge the Senate to not delay, and ensure that Judge Jackson is confirmed as expeditiously as possible," said Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub.
"Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is an exceptionally well-qualified jurist who has demonstrated a commitment to fairness and impartiality throughout her impressive legal career. Importantly, she has consistently acknowledged the humanity and dignity of immigrants in her rulings. The Supreme Court has the power to shape the lives of millions of Americans, including immigrants who call the U.S. home, and Judge Jackson's record of thoughtful service makes her an excellent choice to serve on the highest court. We urge the Senate to confirm Judge Jackson without delay," said Marielena Hincapié, Executive Directore, National Immigration Law Center.
"Judge Jackson's extensive judicial record and experience as a federal public defender have demonstrated her commitment to civil rights and the issues impacting everyday Americans. There have been 115 justices who have sat on the Supreme Court, but not one has been a Black woman. Having diverse perspectives on the nation's highest court isn't a "nice to have" – it's a necessity. A Supreme Court that better reflects our country bring us closer to equal justice for all. Today, we celebrate the decades of service by Black women judges to get to this historic moment," said Eric Rodriguez, UnidosUS Senior Vice President.
"The Hispanic Federation announces our support today for the confirmation of Judge Jackson to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court," said Jessica Orozco Guttlein, Chief of Staff, Hispanic Federation. "As the institution that often serves as the last line of defense against civil rights abuses, discrimination, and corporate greed, it is imperative that the Supreme Court reflects the racial diversity that shapes our nation. President Obama understood this when he announced more than a decade ago the historic selection of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. President Biden clearly understands this moment as well, and it is why the nomination – and ultimate confirmation - of Judge Jackson, who holds both legal and lived experience, is so vital to us all."
"The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) has a long history fighting in the courts for the civil rights of all Latinos in the U.S., and our work depends on a judicial system that is guided by impartiality, fairness, and the rule of law. MALDEF urges a swift consideration by the Senate of the eminently qualified Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson," said MALDEF D.C. Regional Counsel, Andrea Senteno.
"Justice Sonya Sotomayor is the first Latina on the Supreme Court, and we have seen that this representation matters. It has taken us 233 years to have our first Black women nominee – it's about time! Now, working people expect Senators to rise to the occasion and confirm KBJ without delay or ugly personal attacks. If they fail to do so, they will be standing on the wrong side of history – and they will be left behind at the midterms," said Margarita Alonzo Ortiz, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 32BJ Vice President.
"Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will be an exceptional Supreme Court justice. She has a wealth of legal experience acquired throughout her stellar career as a public defender, federal judge, and private attorney. In addition to Judge Brown Jackson's professional qualifications, her life experience gives her insight into how specific issues and policies might impact the Black and Latino communities and other communities of color. Judge Brown Jackson's appointment will move the Supreme Court closer to being truly representative of the people it serves. Latino Victory stands with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in support of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court nomination, and we urge the Senate to confirm her as quickly as possible," said Yvonne Gutierrez, Latino Victory Fund Managing Director.
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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.