For the last week, the United States Senate and the American public have had a unique opportunity to get to know Judge Sonia Sotomayor and her view of the rule of law in our country. Before the hearing, we knew President Obama had selected a capable jurist with a multifaceted background and immense personal story. Now, we all know that the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court has a firm understanding of the law and the role of the Courts versus the role of Congress.
I was very impressed with how Judge Sotomayor answered my questions on voting rights and environmental rights. She made a clear and important statement recognizing that voting was a ‘fundamental right’ of all Americans. Her forthright responses throughout the hearing have solidified my confidence that she will follow the law to preserve the protections found in our Constitution. I urge my colleagues to allow for a swift vote in both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate to confirm Judge Sotomayor as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.