Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Latest Nominations Hearing

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Sherilyn Peace Garnett, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California; Nina Morrison, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York; Trina L. Thompson, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; and Paul Monteiro, to be Director of the Community Relations Service. During his opening statement, Durbin spoke at length about each of the nominee’s qualifications.

Key quotes:

“The slate [of judicial nominees] represents continued efforts to bring balance to the judiciary. Among these three nominees are two sitting state court judges, one nominee who served for many years as a federal prosecutor, a former public defender, and a nominee who has worked to bring justice to those wrongfully convicted of crime.”

“All three of these judicial nominees understand their role on the federal district court. All were rated unanimously ‘Well Qualified’ by the American Bar Association. All three are committed to applying precedent and being impartial and even-handed.”

Durbin went on to personally introduce Monteiro and highlight his career that has extensively prepared him to serve as Director of the Community Relations Service.

“After graduating from law school, Mr. Monteiro began a career dedicated to public service. He worked as the Associate Director in the Obama White House of Public Engagement and as Director of AmeriCorps.”

“In November 2015, Mr. Monteiro was appointed to serve as Acting Director of CRS, [and] held that role until 2017. He currently holds two roles – Chief of Staff and Assistant VP of External Affairs at Howard University and an at-large board member of Prince George’s County Public School’s Board of Education.”

“Throughout his career and on top of his busy schedule in public service, he’s made it a priority to give back to the community.”

“Mr. Monteiro is no stranger to this office having served as its acting director. I have no doubt that CRS will benefit not just from Mr. Monteiro’s institutional knowledge, but also from his proven leadership.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

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