Executive Session

Floor Speech

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Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise today along with my colleagues, Senator Leahy and Senator Murray, to express support for the confirmation of Professor Rosanna Peterson.

Professor Peterson has been nominated to be a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington. I have no doubt that she will be an excellent Federal judge.

It is important to ensure that all branches of our government, including the judiciary, reflect diversity. If confirmed, Professor Peterson would be the first woman to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.

Rosanna Peterson is currently an Assistant Professor of Law at Gonzaga University. She teaches Evidence, Federal Jurisdiction, and Trial Advocacy. She also runs the law school's externship program. Previously, she worked as an attorney in private practice at a number of Spokane law firms. She also clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle, whom she will now replace.

Professor Peterson has long been recognized by her peers for her intellect, dedication to the law, and commitment to equal justice.

She has been an active member of Washington State's legal community, having served as President of the Federal Bar Association for Eastern Washington, President of Washington Women Lawyers State Bar Association and President of the Spokane County Washington Women Lawyers Bar Association.

I urge the Senate to confirm Professor Peterson this afternoon.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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