[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 124 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4920-S4921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                  Nomination of Tiffany P. Cunningham

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, this week the Senate is going to consider 
Tiffany Cunningham's nomination to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals 
for the Federal Circuit.
  This is truly historic. Once confirmed, Ms. Cunningham will be the 
first--the very first--African-American judge to serve on the Federal 
Circuit.
  She will not only bring diversity but an amazing set of credentials 
to the job. You see, the Federal Circuit is unique among Federal 
appeals courts. The jurisdiction of other appeals courts is based on 
geography--in other words, where the case arises. The Federal Circuit 
is a specialized court, with jurisdiction over particular legal issues, 
especially patent law.
  This court plays a critical role in ensuring that our innovation 
economy can continue to flourish. It requires judges who understand the 
complicated law that governs this area and who understand the 
experiences of Americans from all walks of life. Ms. Cunningham is that 
person. She received her undergraduate degree in chemical engineering 
from MIT and her law degree from Harvard Law School. After graduating 
law school, she clerked for the Federal Circuit.
  Ms. Cunningham boasts years of experience that will serve her well. 
For almost two decades, she worked as an intellectual property 
litigator in my home State of Illinois.
  In that role, Ms. Cunningham cultivated an in-depth understanding of 
every aspect of patent litigation, from the filing of the case, through 
discovery, trial, and appeal.
  She has also represented clients across a number of the fields, 
including mechanical engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotech, 
computer science, and the automobile industry. Ms. Cunningham's clients 
include high-tech and Fortune 500 companies.
  Given her experience representing plaintiffs and defendants, she 
understands the importance of applying the law evenhandedly.
  Her technical expertise, her deep knowledge of patent law, and 20 
years of experience as an intellectual property litigator earned her a 
unanimous--unanimous--rating of ``well qualified'' from the American 
Bar Association.
  She received broad bipartisan support in my committee, with five 
Republicans joining all Democrats in voting to advance her.
  As a judge in the Federal Circuit, Ms. Cunningham will offer a 
perspective shaped by personal and professional experience that reflect 
the diversity of our Nation.

[[Page S4921]]

  Given her years of experience working on issues germane to the 
Federal Circuit, she will be ready upon confirmation to hit the ground 
running.
  Mr. President, at the end of her hearing, I said to her say: ``Why 
did you want to do this? Why would you go into public life? It seems 
like things are going pretty well for you as a lawyer.''
  She said: ``It has always been my dream to serve on this bench.''
  Well, I hope her dream comes true and the Senate helps her reach it. 
I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of Ms. Cunningham's 
nomination
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.