[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 73 (Monday, May 7, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NOMINATION OF KURT ENGELHARDT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on a totally different matter, this 
week the Senate will consider another slate of extremely well-qualified 
nominees for seats on the Federal bench. A thoughtful, independent, and 
expert judiciary is a cornerstone of our constitutional order. It has 
been the case since the very beginning of our country.
  Accordingly, the six circuit court nominees we will now consider have 
excellent reputations in the legal field and have demonstrated they 
understand the proper role of Federal judges in our government.
  First up is Kurt Engelhardt, of Louisiana, the President's choice to 
serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Senate previously 
confirmed Judge Engelhardt by voice vote to the Federal trial bench in 
the Eastern District of Louisiana. Since then, he has only strengthened 
his reputation for fairness and thoughtfulness.
  In the latest edition of the Almanac of the Federal Judiciary, his 
legal peers describe him as ``very conscientious'' and ``fair and 
independent minded.'' The American Bar Association agrees. It awarded 
Judge Engelhardt its highest possible rating of ``unanimously well 
qualified.'' I urge every one of our colleagues to join me in voting to 
advance Judge Engelhardt's nomination later this afternoon.

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