[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 42 (Friday, March 5, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1273-S1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO CHIEF JUDGE SIDNEY R. THOMAS

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I recognize Chief Judge Sidney 
R. Thomas, a dedicated public servant who is celebrating 25 years on 
the Federal bench on March 11.
  Born and raised in Montana, Judge Thomas's skill as a decisionmaker 
was evident from the start. Even as a high school debater, he earned 
the respect of competing schools with the combination of his success at 
meets and affable spirit. Both his tenacity and good nature would be 
enduring legacies. Judge Thomas went on to attend Montana State 
University and obtain his J.D. from the University of Montana School of 
Law. He was twice appointed to the Board of Regents of Higher Education 
as a student member.
  After graduating, Judge Thomas entered private practice. A quick 
learner with a deft ability to understand even the most complex cases, 
he became a senior partner. During his tenure in private practice, 
Judge Thomas specialized in commercial litigation, along with 
bankruptcy, government, and media law. He further applied his expertise 
as the standing bankruptcy

[[Page S1274]]

trustee for all bankruptcy cases filed in the U.S. District Court for 
the District of Montana's Billings Division. Judge Thomas also helped 
shape future lawyers by serving at Rocky Mountain College for over a 
decade as an adjunct instructor in law.
  On July 19, 1995, recognizing Judge Thomas's outstanding record, 
President Bill Clinton nominated him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for 
the Ninth Circuit. The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Thomas in January 
1996, and he served as a judge for nearly two decades, before becoming 
chief judge on December 1, 2014.
  Throughout his impressive career, Judge Thomas has earned the 
confidence of his colleagues and the American people. He is a respected 
leader who is trusted for his sound judgment and integrity, as well as 
beloved for his warm personality and wit. These qualities landed Judge 
Thomas on President Barack Obama's short list of candidates to replace 
Justice John Paul Stevens on the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010.
  Thanks to his extraordinary commitment public service, his 
intelligence and legal acumen, and his commitment to justice, Judge 
Thomas is a credit to our Nation's judiciary. His fairness on the 
bench, along with his tireless work ethic and compassion, sets a model 
for all of us.
  I applaud his many accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join 
me in congratulating Chief Judge Sidney R. Thomas on attaining 25 years 
on the Federal bench.

                          ____________________