[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 16, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                 Nomination of Ruth Bermudez Montenegro

  Mr. President, Judge Ruth Montenegro is nominated to serve on the 
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
  She is a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants who came to this 
country with only elementary school educations--just like my parents. 
Judge Montenegro understood early on--because of her parents' 
experience and their journey--the value of getting a good education and 
of public service, starting at a very young age. She was born and 
raised in the Imperial Valley, where she returned after graduating from 
UCLA Law School.
  Like so many of us, you are trying to fulfill your parents' dreams, 
so you go on to college and get a good education. You graduate and have 
options all over and choose to come home to make a difference.
  Judge Montenegro built a career in representing public agencies. She 
could have made a lot of money in the private sector. She chose to 
represent public agencies, ranging from the Imperial Valley Housing 
Authority to the El Centro Elementary School District. She has served 
for nearly 10 years now as a State superior court and Federal 
magistrate judge.
  Judge Montenegro's extensive judicial experience and lifelong 
dedication to her community, I have no doubt, will strengthen the 
Southern District's bench.