[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 175 (Monday, November 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1133-E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE GUSTAVO ANTONIO GELPI, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2022

  Miss GONZALEZ-COLON. Madam Speaker, on May 12, 2021, President Biden 
nominated

[[Page E1134]]

the Hon. Gustavo Antonio Gelpi, Jr. to be a United States Circuit Judge 
in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, to the 
seat left vacant by the late Judge Juan R. Torruella. On October 18, 
2021, Judge Gelpi was confirmed by the Senate and received his judicial 
commission on October 19, 2021. I was honored to support his 
nomination.
  The U.S. Circuit Court for the First Circuit hears appeals from the 
U.S. District Courts of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Puerto 
Rico, and Rhode Island. A voice for Puerto Rico--a civil law 
jurisdiction unlike the remaining common law jurisdictions under the 
Circuit's purview--is necessary for the fair and impartial application 
of the law. However, although the population of Puerto Rico is more 
than double that of each of the other districts in the circuit except 
for Massachusetts, Judge Gelpi is only the second judge of Hispanic 
origin and only the second judge from Puerto Rico ever to serve in that 
Court since it was established by Congress in 1891. I am confident that 
Judge Gelpi will give Puerto Rico the loud and booming voice in that 
Court that has been silent since Judge Torruella's passing.
  Judge Gelpi served in the United States District Court for the 
District of Puerto Rico for 20 years, first as a magistrate judge and 
then as district judge. During this time, he gained a reputation for 
being stern and serious, but patient and courteous; for having an even 
temper and a sense of humor; for having common sense and an 
understanding of the human condition; for being open to consider new 
legal theories but always following the law.
  As he goes on to take his seat in the First Circuit, I would like to 
remind him of Justice Sandra O'Connor's admonition to judges: ``Be 
independent, be fair, venture to be wise.''
  ``Be independent''. Decide matters that come before you impartially, 
on the basis of facts, in accordance with the law, and without regards 
to outside influence, self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism.
  ``Be fair''. Stay true to the rule that all persons are equal before 
the eyes of the law. Make sure that judicial proceedings are conducted 
fairly and that the rights of the parties are respected. Remember that 
the appearance of fairness and impartiality is almost as important as 
the reality of it.
  ``Venture to be wise.'' Be humble and recognize that judges do not 
have monopoly on wisdom and that they will not get it right every time. 
Approach each case with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Be 
restrained in your decisions. Seek counsel from your fellow judges.
  I thank Judge Gelpi for his years of exemplary service to the people 
of Puerto Rico and I am certain that, in this new stage of his career, 
he will continue to serve the people of Puerto Rico with outstanding 
merit.
  I would also like to acknowledge my friend, Congresswoman Nydia 
Velazquez, who was an invaluable ally in raising bipartisan support for 
Judge Gelpi's appointment. Because we worked together for the benefit 
of Puerto Rico, irrespective of party lines, we were able to secure the 
nomination and confirmation of the most qualified candidate for the 
job.

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