[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 136 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JUDGE SONIA SOTOMAYOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 2, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and to pay 
tribute to Judge Sonia Sotomayor, an outstanding individual who has 
dedicated her life to public service. She was confirmed today by the 
Senate for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. 
Clinton nominated Sotomayor in June 1997 and after an arduous process, 
the Senate ratified her nomination by voting 68-28. The 2nd Circuit 
Court includes New York, Connecticut and Vermont.
  Judge Sotomayor was born and raised in the South Bronx. After 
graduating summa cum laude from Princeton University, she earned her 
Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. I have known her personally for many 
years, and I am very familiar with her background, experience, 
character, and personality. She is a person of the highest personal and 
professional integrity.
  Mr. Speaker, since her appointment to the United States District 
Court for the Southern District of New York by President George Bush in 
1992, Judge Sotomayor has distinguished herself and has received 
continuous recognition for her outstanding performance. During her 
tenure, she has been reversed only six times in what is considered 
perhaps the most litigious and scrutinized district court in the United 
States.
  Being the first Hispanic woman to serve on the United States District 
Court for the Southern District of New York, Judge Sotomayor is well 
known and highly respected by her peers and the different communities 
for her sensitivity, professionalism, integrity and sound judgment. Her 
confirmation brings to the Court an outstanding judge at the same time 
that it expands its ethnic composition.
  This is the kind of issue that should be discussed in the classrooms. 
She is a role model for all Hispanics. Judge Sotomayor has set an 
example of how success is available for all of those who persevere to 
achieve their goals. She is an inspiration for many Puerto Ricans and 
for the people in the Bronx who are trying to break the cycle of 
poverty.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Judge Sonia 
Sotomayor for her outstanding achievements and in wishing her continued 
success as Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second 
Circuit.

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