“Today is a proud and historic moment for our country. Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s life story, including her many years of distinguished service on the federal bench, is a testament to the American values of opportunity and justice. The confirmation of our nation’s first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice underscores our nation’s commitment to equality, which is our heritage and our hope.” Speaker Nancy Pelosi
“The Supreme Court is a better place today, thanks to the votes of Senators Arlen Specter, Bob Casey and an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of the United States Senate. Justice Sotomayor’s confirmation is win-win for our highest court and for the nation. The fact that she is Latina is simply a bonus for a court that has, for too long, reflected only a portion of the American landscape.” Congressman Chaka Fattah
“The evidence tells us that Judge Sotomayor lacks a proper understanding of the role of judges and the judiciary in our constitutional system. Sadly, rather than honoring the clear text of the Constitution, the record shows her to be a judicial activist who has no qualms about imposing her policy preferences from the bench, rather than interpreting the law as written.” Family Research Council
“The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) applauds the United States Senate’s vote to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the nation’s highest court. Representative Joseph Miro (DE), NHCSL’s President, calls the historic confirmation “a proud moment for the entire nation, and an especially sparkling moment for Latinos, women, and all communities who have worked to achieve full representation in American civic life. Judge Sotomayor is a shining example of the results achievable through hard work, study and perseverance.” The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators
“The Puerto Rico Judiciary is honored with the confirmation of a judge who has dedicated most of her career to the federal bench. Over the years, she has carried her duties impartially, exemplifying judicial independence and a conscientious view of the role of the courts in our society.” Puerto Rico Judiciary
“Judge Sotomayor’s story serves as an inspiration to us all. She is the daughter of working-class Puerto Rican parents who grew up in public housing in the Bronx. Driven by her mother’s belief in the power of education and her unrelenting work ethic, she excelled in school and won a scholarship to Princeton University and later attended Yale Law. Today she is one of the most qualified and experienced Justices sitting on the Supreme Court. Her story demonstrates that anything is possible in this wonderful country and that the American Dream is alive and well. I also want to applaud President Obama for choosing Judge Sotomayor. His choice demonstrates his commitment to bring greater diversity of thought, perspective and experience to the nation’s legal system. It’s a pleasure and an honor to serve for him.” U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis