Thanks very much, Mr Chairman.
I want to begin by congratulating you, Judge Jackson on this appointment.
Um, I've reviewed the records of a number of judicial nominees.
During my service on this committee. This is actually the 10th set
of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee that I've participated
in.
During my time in the Senate.
And looking at your record, it's clear that you have the qualifications
and the experience and the knowledge needed to serve on the Supreme
Court.
And as a woman. It makes me very proud of that.
As we begin these hearings we as senators take seriously our constitutional
duty to advise the president on his appointment of a new Supreme
Court justice.
In the current term alone. The Supreme Court is addressing cases
on issues that are foundational to who we are as a country. Let me
just give you three examples.
The court is considering a woman's fundamental right to control her
own body and make her own health care decisions. It is considering
the legal authority.
Of the Environmental Protection Agency to fight climate change and
its considering whether states have the power to enact common sense
gun safety protections.
As a former mayor. I saw how these officials how these problems affect
people everyday people on everyday streets.
Throughout my city and then subsequently, the state of California.
This is not your first time at this. In fact, it's your fourth time
in front of this committee.
The full Senate has already confirmed you on a bipartisan basis three
times to serve as vice chair of the U. S Sentencing Commission.
In 2010 as a federal district court Judge 2013 and as a federal appellate
court judge in 2021.
And you have done us proud.
Each of the three times the Senate has considered your record.
Experience and your ability. Senators on both sides of the aisle
have determined that you have the qualifications and the temperament.
It takes to uphold the values of our judicial branch.
As I see it.
Those values are knowledge.
Evenhandedness, impartiality, integrity, respect for the rule of
law and fundamental fairness to all.
And your record.
Actually shows that you exemplify these values.
The Supreme Court is not a political institution.
Rather, the court stands above politics and above partisanship.
And we looked at federal judges to be independent and unbiased.
Judge Jackson in reviewing your record.
One thing in particular stands out to me.
And that's your commitment to uphold justice under the law.
This is one of the ultimate responsibilities of the Supreme Court.
And your record suggests to me that you understand the weight of
that responsibility.
You've had several mentors early in your career who understood who
I understand, were important in instilling these values in you as
a young lawyer.
One of these those mentors were Justice Stephen Breyer.
Who you served as a law clerk.
Into who seat on the Supreme Court. You have now been nominated.
What a treat for you to see that happen, And I know for him as well.
Justice Breyer has been a thoughtful and evenhanded judge throughout
his career. So you have learned from the best
And you have brought those lessons.
And that dedication to equal justice.
With you throughout your career in the law.
You have strong credentials. Your graduated both Harvard University
and Harvard Law School.
Of former Supreme Court clerk
And you have served as a federal judge for nine years, most recently
on the U. S Court of Appeals for the district circuit.
These are impressive credentials, and they are also familiar to those
of us who have received. Excuse me, whoever reviewed numerous nominees
to the court.
But you also bring experiences that are less common, especially at
the Supreme Court.
The first is service as a federal public defender earlier in your
career.
If you were confirmed, you would be the first ever federal public
defender to sit on the court.
And the first justice since Thurgood Marshall.
With significant experience representing low income defendants in
criminal cases. I believe this is very significant and important.
Because, as a former public defender, you understand the power of
our constitutional rights, including the Sixth Amendment right to
counsel.
And the Fifth Amendment right to due process. You also understand
the effect of law.
And the law enforcement system on the most vulnerable
And I believe you're eight years of expertise as a trial judge on
the D. C. District court is very valuable.
So if confirmed, you would be one of only two former federal district
Court judges serving on the court. The other being Justice Sotomayor.
I believe your perspective.
As a former trial judge will serve you well on the court.
You've been responsible for implementing the precedent set by higher
courts, and because of that, you understand the need for clarity
in legal opinions.
For achieving consensus, wherever consensus is possible, and that
has been your record.
It's important.
To have justices with a broad set of views and experiences on the
Supreme Court.
And I believe your background and your experience will only serve
to strengthen the Supreme Court.
I trust that my colleagues on this committee will recognize that
you are unquestionably qualified for this position. I wish you well,
I look forward to learning more about you over the course of the
coming days. Thank you. Mr Chairman. Thanks, Senator Feinstein, Senator