[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 188 (Monday, December 5, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S6950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                          Judicial Nominations

  Mr. President, on judges, the Senate is just a few confirmation votes 
away from reaching another milestone. Soon, we will confirm our 90th 
Federal judge under President Biden.
  I want to thank my colleague, chair of the Judiciary Committee, 
Senator Durbin for his diligence and hard work in this area of getting 
nominees appointed to the bench.
  We vote today on judge No. 88, Doris Pryor, tapped by the President 
to serve as U.S. circuit judge for the Seventh Circuit. She will be the 
26th--the 26th--circuit court judge the Senate confirms in the last 2 
years.
  These appointments are critical. Even though a conservative majority 
presides on the Supreme Court, the bulk of all Federal cases are still 
resolved by circuit court judges.
  If confirmed, Judge Pryor will make history as the first woman of 
color from Indiana ever to sit on the Seventh Circuit. One judge at a 
time, the Senate continues fulfilling its mission of making sure our 
courts reflect the diversity and dynamism of America.
  A graduate of University of Central Arkansas and Indiana School of 
Law, Judge Pryor served as a clerk for both the Eighth Circuit Court of 
Appeals and for the Eastern District of Arkansas, before turning to 
public defense.

  She has also more than a decade of experience as a Federal 
prosecutor, focusing on national security and prosecuting individuals 
who sought aid to terrorist organizations.
  When not involved in donning the black robe of a jurist, Judge Pryor 
is deeply involved in the Indianapolis community, founding youth 
programs, mentoring future lawyers, and helping the formerly 
incarcerated to re-enter civilian life.
  In short, Judge Pryor has the brains of a jurist and the heart of a 
public servant--a perfect combination for someone serving a lifetime 
appointment on the bench.
  I look forward to her confirmation today, and Democrats will continue 
making judicial nominations a top priority in the new year.