Executive Session

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Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I thank the chairman of the Judiciary Committee for his comments and perspective on judicial independence. It is extremely important in having a court system that can both be effective and reflect the faith of the citizens of this Nation that they have a system of true justice.

I rise in support of the nomination of Michael Simon to the post of U.S. District Judge for the District Court of Oregon. Quite simply, Michael Simon is a man of enormous integrity, intellectual breadth and depth, and good old-fashioned common sense and decency. Michael Simon has earned a reputation as a top lawyer in commercial litigation, appellate law, and constitutional law. He is respected nationally. He is eminently qualified for this seat.

After graduating summa cum laude from UCLA, he attended Harvard Law School, where he graduated cum laude. He began his legal career in the Department of Justice's antitrust division, where he served as a trial attorney for 5 years. During this time, he also volunteered for and served as a special assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Mr. Simon is currently a partner at Perkins Coie in Portland, where he has worked since 1986 and earned a reputation as one of the Northwest's real legal stars. He has engaged in extensive pro bono work and has volunteered for many nonprofit organizations. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at Lewis & Clark Law School, teaching antitrust law, drawing on his earlier life experience. He has also served as a pro tem judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

In the courts, Michael has made his name as a staunch defender of consumer protection, antitrust laws, and the first amendment. He has found the time to be deeply involved in his community, displaying a commitment to voluntarism, civic participation, and public service.

For years, Michael has been a leader of the Classroom Law Project, a nonprofit that prepares youths to become active, engaged and informed participants in our democratic society. Serving as president, and then as a board member, he has helped bring a love of civics and democracy to thousands of public school students across Oregon.

In addition to his service in government and civic organizations, Mr. Simon has been an active member of the Jewish community in Portland. He is a familiar and beloved face at his temple, Beth Israel, and has served on the boards of the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

In short, Michael Simon exemplifies the traits that every Federal district judge should possess--a brilliant legal mind and a heart dedicated to service, fairness, and community.

The U.S. District Court of Oregon has historically had a reputation as a place of efficient and fair courts led by outstanding professional jurists. I know Michael Simon will uphold this tradition. He will be an outstanding judge who will continue the district's tradition of fairness and commitment to public service, and he will fill a critical vacancy in this district.

Michael Simon is an excellent nominee, and I urge all my colleagues to reflect on his record and his capacity in multiple dimensions throughout his life that brings a seasoned judgment and the independence of mind to the judicial system. I urge my colleagues to support his nomination.

I thank the Chair.

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