Statement of Senator Feinstein on President Obama's Nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court

May 26, 2009 -- “The President has chosen a very solid and tested woman as his nominee for the United States Supreme Court.

Sonia Sotomayor has served as a New York City prosecutor and she has been a federal judge for over 15 years. She has already been confirmed by the Senate twice – first as a federal trial court judge and then as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

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The nomination is clearly historic in that she would be the first Latina, and the third woman ever, to sit on the Supreme Court.

I know there are those who will try to delay this nominee. However, I believe it is important that she has a clear opportunity for a fair and open nomination process, and that her nomination can move rapidly to the floor of the Senate and be confirmed.

It is likely that we will have 60 votes on the floor of the United States Senate. Therefore, any unnecessary delay will only keep the Court from getting ready for the new term and inhibit the Senate’s ability to focus on other important priorities like the economy, energy, and health care.”

Senator Dianne Feinstein