Senator Murray Introduces Judge Rebecca Pennell at Hearing on Her Nomination to Serve as U.S. District Court Judge in the Eastern District of Washington

Hearing

“Mr. Chairman, thank you so much for the accommodation. I am really delighted to be here today with the committee to introduce an incredibly qualified judicial nominee from Washington state.

“I was proud to recommend Judge Rebecca Pennell to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge in the Eastern District of Washington.

“She is here today with her husband and her daughter, her dad, sister, and her brother. Thank you all for being with her today to support her.

“Like the other nine federal judges we have confirmed at my recommendation, Judge Pennell has been vetted and endorsed by my state’s nonpartisan judicial merit selection committee—which is made up of Democratic and Republican legal experts.

“After reviewing her record—and the many letters of recommendation that came with her nomination—it is easy to see why.

“In letter after letter—prosecutors, law enforcement officials, judges, and so many others described Judge Pennell as ‘fair,’ ‘insightful,’ ‘professional,’ and ‘prepared.’

“Judge Pennell’s long, and impressive, history in Washington state’s legal community has clearly earned her the respect of her colleagues, and a reputation for being a fair, and thoughtful judge.

“And Judge Pennell’s Washington state roots run as deep as her impressive legal knowledge!

“She grew up in Richland, where her father worked at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. She attended the University of Washington, returned from Stanford Law to clerk for District Court Judge Whaley in Spokane, and she has been an active and respected member of our state’s legal community ever since.

“From her work providing wrap-around legal services for vulnerable children, to her leadership establishing drug court re-entry programs in Yakima and the Tri-Cities, to her 15 years in the federal public defender’s office, and eight years on the Washington Court of Appeals in Spokane.

“Judge Pennell has shown herself to be a true public servant committed to ensuring people in Washington state can access a justice system that treats people fairly and works for everyone.

“And in addition to being highly respected in her community, Judge Pennell is someone who cares about her community and is active in it—as shown by her participation in the Yakima Downtown Rotary Club, the Washington State Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee, and her past service on the boards of the YWCA of Yakima and the Yakima Area Arboretum.

“It’s important that we have a court system that delivers justice for everyone, not just the powerful and well-connected.

“That requires a judge who carefully reviews each case on its merits, shows a deep understanding of the law, and respect for everyone who appears before them, and appreciates how their decisions will affect the lives of people across Washington state.

“I have no doubt that Judge Pennell fits the bill—to a tee—and I am confident the Committee will see that as well today.

“Thank you very much for your consideration. I look forward to working with you as we move this nomination through.”

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