[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 192 (Monday, November 27, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S7320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Nomination of Gregory Katsas

  Next, we will vote to advance the nomination of an exceptionally 
well-qualified nominee to the Federal judiciary, Gregory Katsas to 
serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia 
Circuit. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Mr. Katsas clerked 
for Judge Edward Becker of the Third Circuit and Justice Clarence 
Thomas, both on the DC Circuit and on the U.S. Supreme Court. He then 
joined the litigation group at a prominent law firm focusing on State 
and Federal appellate litigation, including arguing before the Supreme 
Court.
  In 2001, Mr. Katsas became the Deputy Assistant Attorney General 
supervising the Justice Department's appellate staff of the Civil 
Division. The Senate later confirmed him by a voice vote to serve as 
Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, where he was 
responsible for overseeing hundreds of lawyers and some of the 
government's most complicated litigation. For his work, he was awarded 
the Edmund Randolph Award for outstanding service, the highest award 
given by the Department.
  In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, former Attorney 
General Michael Mukasey expressed his support for Mr. Katsas's 
nomination. This is what Attorney General Mukasey had to say:

       It was my great privilege to work with Greg when he headed 
     the civil division and argued many of the most difficult and 
     challenging cases the Department faced at that time. Greg 
     worked tirelessly to defend the interests of the United 
     States in court, whatever his personal views about them may 
     have been.

  Former Attorney General Mukasey, who has also previously served as a 
Federal district court judge, went on to say that ``it is Greg's 
character, temperament and virtue that most set him apart, and that 
suit him to serve as a Circuit Judge. There are many smart lawyers in 
Washington, and probably many nice ones,'' he concluded, ``but I know 
of no others who have Greg's unique combination of legal skill coupled 
with humility, integrity, and good judgment.''
  That high praise was echoed by many of the other officials who knew 
Mr. Katsas well at the Justice Department. A large group of them wrote 
to the Senate Judiciary Committee supporting his nomination.

       Greg is an exceptionally talented and brilliant fellow 
     lawyer. His commitment to public service and academic 
     qualifications are impeccable. In addition, we can attest to 
     Greg's thoughtfulness, temperament, and character.

  Furthermore, a group of distinguished attorneys who have, in their 
own words, ``worked with Greg or litigated against him in the Supreme 
Court or federal courts of appeals, or are otherwise familiar with his 
work'' penned a letter of support for Mr. Katsas's nomination.
  ``We hold a broad range of policy and jurisprudential views'' they 
wrote, ``but [we] are united in our view, based on our experience and 
knowledge of Greg's work, that he is highly qualified to serve on the 
D.C. Circuit.''
  Once he completed his time at the Department of Justice and returned 
to private practice, Mr. Katsas continued to impress his colleagues 
with his legal skill and judgment.
  His firm's managing partner wrote a letter, also signed by partners 
from around the globe, recommending his nomination. Here is what they 
wrote:

       Greg is a truly great legal thinker with a well-earned 
     reputation for integrity, fair-mindedness, and respect for 
     others. He has been a brilliant, conscientious advocate--

  They continued--

     for the firm's clients in the Supreme Court and appellate 
     courts throughout the nation in a wide variety of difficult, 
     high-profile cases.

  Mr. Katsas is an impressive individual who is well-qualified to serve 
on the DC Circuit.
  I thank Chairman Grassley, once again, for his outstanding work in 
moving President Trump's judicial nominees to the floor. I look forward 
to confirming the nomination of Ms. Friedrich and advancing the 
nomination of Mr. Katsas later today.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting their 
nominations.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.