[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9936-9937]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     NOMINATION OF ROBERT ROSSITER

  Mrs. FISCHER. Madam President, I rise to speak in strong support of 
Bob Rossiter, who has been nominated to fill the vacancy on Nebraska's 
Federal district court.
  The Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of Bob Rossiter 
without objection last October, and I am extremely pleased that the 
Senate will be voting on his nomination this evening.
  The U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska has a tradition 
of fairness and of justice. This court owes its reputation to the well-
respected judges who have served on it.
  With only three judgeships, Nebraska's Federal district bench is 
relatively small. Nebraska's Federal bench is an example of efficiency, 
as well as integrity. It also has one of the busiest dockets in the 
country.
  For example, during the 12-month period ending March 31, 2016, 
Nebraska had the most per-judgeship weighted filings among the eight 
States that have only three authorized judgeships in a single Federal 
district.
  With a small bench and a full docket, it is important that Nebraska's 
Federal district court operate at full capacity. As soon as Judge 
Bataillon announced that he would be taking senior status, I began 
working with Senator Mike Johanns to select a highly qualified 
candidate for this important position. Through an open process, we 
considered many applicants with excellent credentials. Approximately 20 
individuals asked to be considered for this position, and we had each 
of them fill out the Judiciary Committee's lengthy questionnaire.
  The questionnaires and the reams of supplementary materials were then 
carefully reviewed. Having reviewed the qualifications and materials of 
these applicants, I can tell you that Nebraska has no shortage of 
principled and sharp legal minds. Narrowing the list was challenging. 
After weeks of thorough consideration, we agreed to recommend Bob 
Rossiter to President Obama for this judgeship in August 2014. Although 
Senator Johanns retired from the Senate before the President nominated 
Mr. Rossiter in June of 2015, I know he was pleased with this 
nomination.
  I thank the President for listening to my advocacy for Mr. Rossiter 
and for his support for him, for even among the many fine candidates we 
interviewed, Bob's accomplishments stood out.
  Bob has an impressive list of professional achievements. After 
graduating cum laude from Creighton University School of Law, Bob 
clerked for U.S. district court judge C. Arlen Beam on Nebraska's 
Federal district court. Currently, he is a partner at the law firm of 
Fraser Stryker in Nebraska. Whether Bob is working on Federal and State 
employment litigation or administrative agency investigations, he 
always demonstrates an admirable commitment to integrity and to the 
rule of

[[Page 9937]]

law. Over the years, he has gained the respect of his clients by 
handling a variety of important issues with excellence. He is listed in 
``The Best Lawyers in America'' and in ``Chambers USA, America's 
Leading Business Lawyers.'' Perhaps the strongest testament to Bob's 
aptitude and integrity, as well as the admiration of his colleagues, is 
the fact that he was previously selected to serve as president of the 
Nebraska Bar Association. Though Bob never assumed the bar presidency 
due to this nomination, this honor, which is not bestowed lightly, is a 
reflection of the trust placed in Bob by those who know and work with 
him.
  For these reasons I am confident that we have found a truly 
remarkable and qualified person to fill the vacancy on Nebraska's 
Federal district court. I urge my colleagues to support Bob Rossiter's 
nomination so that he can put his outstanding intellect, skill, and 
judgment to work for the American people.
  Thank you, Madam President.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Coats). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

                          ____________________