[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 147 (Thursday, December 4, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S6320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           LEESON NOMINATION

  Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I rise this morning to offer my support 
for a gentleman for whom cloture was just invoked. We are going to have 
the confirmation vote this afternoon. I am talking about Mr. Joseph 
Leeson from Pennsylvania. He has been nominated to serve as a U.S. 
district judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
  I wish to start by thanking Chairman Leahy and Ranking Member 
Grassley for facilitating and moving his candidacy through the process, 
through the committee, and Senator Reid and Senator McConnell, our 
respective leaders, for bringing the nomination to the Senate floor. I 
appreciate that cooperation.
  I should also point out that I am very grateful for the cooperation 
of my colleague Senator Casey. Senator Casey and I have spent a lot of 
time and energy making sure we fill the vacancies that occur on the 
Federal bench in Pennsylvania with absolutely the most qualified, 
terrific Pennsylvanians, and we have been blessed that so many 
wonderful Pennsylvanians have offered to serve in this role, to make 
this sacrifice for public service. In the 4 years I have been in the 
Senate, Senator Casey and I have confirmed 13 district judges. We 
placed a judge in the Reading courthouse in Berks County, which had 
been vacant for 3 years; placed a judge in the Easton courthouse, which 
had been vacant for 10 years; and when Mr. Leeson is hopefully 
confirmed this afternoon, that will bring our total to 14.
  I look forward to Joseph Leeson's speedy confirmation, and here is 
why. He is going to be a great Federal judge. Joe Leeson is a graduate 
from Catholic University, where he got his law degree. I have known 
Joseph Leeson certainly by his reputation for a very long time. He is a 
very well-respected attorney in Allentown, PA, and my family and I live 
just outside Allentown and have for a long time.
  Joe Leeson is a partner in Leeson & Leeson. He has very extensive 
trial experience. He has counseled people in accidents and injury 
cases. He has represented legislators and mayors. His practice includes 
litigation, municipal law, nonprofit, and religious law. Across the 
board he has a very diverse portfolio.
  He has also had a long and distinguished commitment to public 
service. Joe Leeson has served as the Bethlehem city solicitor, as a 
member of the Bethlehem city council, and on the administrative board 
of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.
  If confirmed, he will sit in the Allentown courthouse, and we need a 
Federal judge in the Allentown courthouse. We have an outstanding judge 
there now, but we need another because the size of the Lehigh Valley 
region requires that. It will be terrific to have a second Federal 
judge in the Allentown courthouse for what I think will be the first 
time.
  Mr. President, I will conclude by saying there is no question in my 
mind that Mr. Leeson has the experience, the acumen, the temperament, 
and the integrity to be an outstanding Federal judge. He will be a 
great addition to the bench, and I urge all my colleagues to support 
his confirmation.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas is recognized.

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