Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Holly Thomas's nomination to serve on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals by a vote of 48-40. U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding Judge Thomas's confirmation:
"Judge Holly Thomas is a highly qualified and evenhanded jurist with a distinguished record of public service. Her varied professional background, extensive appellate experience, and tenure as a judge--including her service as a Pro Tem appellate court judge--amount to the distinguished record and qualifications we need on the federal bench."