HISTORY IS MADE AS SENATE CONFIRMS SONIA SOTOMAYOR TO THE SUPREME COURT

(Washington, DC) -The Congressional Hispanic Caucus applauds the United States Senate for confirming Judge Sonia Sotomayor as Associate Justice on the nation’s Supreme Court. By a vote of 68-31, history was made as the first Latino, and only the third woman was confirmed to our nation’s highest court. Born and raised in the South Bronx, New York, Judge Sonia Sotomayor brings the most judicial experience to the court than any other nominee in the last 100 years. The CHC officially endorsed her nomination, and had been promoting the idea of naming a Hispanic to the court even before a vacancy had occurred.

“Today marks a historic milestone for all Americans. The entire Hispanic community is profoundly moved by Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation as we celebrate another important step in our nation’s ongoing journey toward a government more reflective of our diverse nation,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez, Chair of the CHC, and the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the U.S. Congress. “Sonia Sotomayor’s personal story is powerful evidence that, with the right talent, dedication and hard work, anything is possible. Equally important, Judge Sotomayor is an exceptionally talented jurist and her confirmation brings to the Court another brilliant legal mind. Throughout her career, she has augmented her vast legal experience with a unique understanding of how the law affects the everyday lives of ordinary Americans. Her temperament, integrity and, as she puts it, ‘fidelity to the law’ will serve the Court well as it decides cases that shape our nation’s future.”

Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, 1^st Vice Chair of the CHC, added, "This should be a proud moment for all Americans who believe that in our great country, a person can overcome adversity through hard work and dedication. Judge Sotomayor represents one of the most qualified nominees to the Supreme Court to have ever been considered by the Senate. I commend those senators that set aside partisan political considerations and voted on the merits of Judge Sotomayor's qualifications."

"Today we are witnessing the fulfillment of America's promise that through hard work and talent, the best can rise to the top," said Congressman Serrano who testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sotomayor's behalf. "Our community is bursting with pride to know that one of our own will now take a seat on our Nation's highest Court."

Congressman Xavier Becerra, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said, “Judge Sotomayor’s judicial record and her testimony throughout her confirmation process made it clear that she is eminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. Her answers on weighty issues that affect our country showed us a fair, thoughtful, mainstream judge. I know she will serve our nation with intelligence, vigor, and an abiding commitment to the Constitution. Her story of accomplishments through hard work will be an inspiration to young girls like my own daughters for generations to come. This is an historic day for America.”

“Today’s confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor serves as a moment of intense pride not just for Hispanic Americans, but for everyone who respects justice and the rule of law,” said Congressman Joe Baca. “Judge Sotomayor’s legal experiences and life story make her one of the most qualified candidates to ever serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. I thank the President for choosing such an excellent nominee, and my colleagues in the Senate for their votes to confirm. The American Dream is indeed alive and well, as evidenced by today’s proceedings.”

“I commend my colleagues in the U.S. Senate on voting to confirm Federal Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the newest justice on the United States Supreme Court,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, the first Mexican-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, said. “This is truly a historic day for our country. Judge Sotomayor will become the first Hispanic and only the third woman to serve on our nation’s highest court. Judge Sotomayor will bring her proven tradition of excellence to the high court. Throughout her career as a prosecutor, a corporate litigator and a federal trial court and appellate judge, Judge Sotomayor has demonstrated a deep understanding and commitment to upholding our nation’s laws while seeking justice for all. I am confident our nation as a whole will gain tremendously by having such an accomplished, experienced and respected jurist serving our nation on the Supreme Court.”

"The confirmation of Judge Sotomayor Thursday marks another milestone in our nation's history,” said Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez. “Not only are her legal credentials impeccable, she brings a breadth of perspective that will broaden the ability of the Supreme Court to rule on the critical issues facing our society today. It's a proud day for the United States."

Congressman Pedro Pierluisi, who represents Puerto Rico in Congress, stated, "Today is a wonderful and historic day. Armed with little more than the fierce love of her family and an old set of encyclopedias, this determined little girl from a Bronx housing project has gone to Princeton, to Yale, to our country’s most hallowed legal institutions—and now, thanks to today’s Senate vote, to the highest court in the land. The people of Puerto Rico are so proud. We wish Judge—soon to be Justice—Sotomayor all the best."

Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez added, "Today is a proud day for the history of this nation and its Supreme Court. Justice Sonia Sotomayor brings to the bench not only a commitment to essential constitutional principles of justice, opportunity, and equality under the law, but also a deep and personal understanding of those values, gained over a lifetime of striving for the American Dream. I am a firm believer in a country that honors hard work with fairness and opportunity — and Justice Sotomayor embodies that spirit. As the son of hardworking Puerto Rican parents; as the husband of a professional Puerto Rican woman; and as the father of two daughters witnessing history in the making: today is a very proud day."