Nomination of Jacob J. Lew, of New York, to be United States Governor of the International Monetary Fund; United States Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; United States Governor of the Inter-American Development Bank; United States Governor of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Floor Speech

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Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise to join my colleague Senator Durbin from Illinois in support of Patricia Millett's nomination to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. As he said so eloquently, Ms. Millett has broad bipartisan support, extensive public and private sector litigation experience, and she would make an outstanding addition to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. After graduating with honors from the University of Illinois and Harvard Law School, Ms. Millett clerked at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She then spent 15 years at the Department of Justice, including 11 years as assistant to the Solicitor General in both Republican and Democratic administrations. Again, I think it is important to point out she has support on both sides of the aisle.

Ms. Millett has argued 32 cases before the Supreme Court as well as dozens of others at the circuit court level, and she currently manages her law firm's Supreme Court and national appellate practice.

She was unanimously rated ``well qualified'' by the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, and that is their highest rating.

In addition to her professional work, Ms. Millett is very active in her community. She has been a literacy tutor for over 20 years, and through her church she volunteers at homeless shelters.

Ms. Millett has strong support across the political spectrum. Again, as Senator Durbin pointed out, she has been endorsed by seven former Solicitors General of the United States, three former Republican attorneys general, law enforcement groups, and civil rights groups. She also has tremendous support from retired members of the military and groups representing military families.

In addition to being a highly qualified nominee, Ms. Millett will fill one of three current vacancies on the 11-member DC Circuit Court. Again, as Senator Durbin pointed out, the DC Circuit is considered the second-most important court in our Nation. It is critical that it be fully staffed with qualified judges. The court handles important terrorism and detention cases, it hears a large volume of complex issues involving administrative actions of the Federal Government. The DC Circuit is also considered the most important civilian court for members of the Armed Services and veterans.

Former DC Circuit Chief Judge Patricia Wald noted ``the DC Circuit hears the most complex, time-consuming, labyrinthine disputes over regulations with the greatest impact on ordinary Americans' lives: clean air and water regulations, nuclear plant safety, health care reform issues, insider trading and more.''

The Senate should have the opportunity to vote up or down on all of President Obama's nominees to this important court. It is way past time we took action on this nomination.

I urge my colleagues to support the Millett nomination.

I yield the floor.

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