Judiciary Committee Advances Two Circuit Court and Four District Court Nominees

WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced the nominations of Cindy K. Chung, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit; Tamika R. Montgomery-Reeves, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit; Kelley Brisbon Hodge, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; John Frank Murphy, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; Mia Roberts Perez, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; and Kai N. Scott, to be United States District Judge forthe Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Chung received a vote of 12-10, Montgomery-Reeves received a vote of 13-9, Hodge received a vote of 13-9, Murphy received a vote of 18-4, Perez received a vote of 13-9, and Scott received a vote of 13-9.

The Committee also advanced Chrissie C. Latimore, to be United States Marshal for the District of South Carolina, by voice vote.

Ahead of votes, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Judiciary Committee, spoke to the qualifications of several of today’s nominees:

“When introducing [the Eastern District of Pennsylvania] nominees at the hearing earlier this month, both Pennsylvania Senators noted their efforts working in good faith with the White House to fill these vacancies. As Senator Toomey noted, he and Senator Casey have worked together to confirm 29 federal district court judges in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Today, with four EDPA nominees up for a vote, we take an important step toward adding to that total.”

“Like the Pennsylvania [district court] nominees, Ms. Chung also enjoys the support of both Pennsylvania Senators… As U.S. Attorney and as a career prosecutor for two decades before, she has worked tirelessly to advance the cause of justice… She understands her role on the Third Circuit will be different than [her role as a] prosecutor. [She is] committed to impartiality.”

“At Justice Montgomery-Reeves’ hearing, a sizeable portion of the Delaware State Judiciary—representing appointees of both political parties—came to [offer] her support. This support is a testament to her ability and experience and independence. She is an accomplished jurist… [and] has handled the full range of issues that will come before the Third Circuit—civil and criminal.”

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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