[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12628-S12629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFIRMATION OF RODNEY W. SIPPEL TO BE A UNITED STATES JUDGE FOR THE 
                EASTERN AND WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI

 Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am delighted that the Senate 
unanimously confirmed Rodney W. Sippel to serve as

[[Page S12629]]

a U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of 
Missouri.
  Rodney Sippel is a uniquely well-qualified nominee, with a wealth of 
experience in the practice of law and in public service. He has years 
of litigation experience at the law firm of Husch & Eppenberger in St. 
Louis, MO. He is also a dedicated public servant, having served in the 
office of our former colleague, Senator Thomas Eagleton, and as an 
administrative assistant to the House Democratic leader, Richard 
Gephardt.
  The American Bar Association found Mr. Sippel to be qualified for 
this appointment and his nomination enjoys the support of both Senators 
from Missouri.
  The President nominated Rodney Sippel on May 15, 1997. After several 
months of inaction, the Judiciary Committee finally held a hearing on 
his nomination on October 28 and the committee favorably and 
unanimously reported his nomination to the full Senate on November 6.
  I congratulate Rodney Sippel and his family on his confirmation. I 
look forward to his service as a U.S. district court judge.
  I would like to note that the nomination process experienced by 
Rodney Sippel is a common one in this 105th Congress. It is an 
experience of unnecessary delay. After his nomination languished for 
months in the Judiciary Committee, the majority finally focused on 
Rodney Sippel and he was unanimously confirmed. I am not sure why it 
took so long for the majority to confirm this well-qualified nominee, 
but I am glad that they finally realized that he will be an outstanding 
Federal judge.

                          ____________________