2009-03

Confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor

Rivera-Schatz (PR); Marin (GA); Martinez (IL) Introduced July 09 Executive Meeting; Ratified

To request that the United States Senate confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor as United States Supreme Court Justice.

WHEREAS, On May 24, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Federal Appeals
Court Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS, Judge Sotomayor attended Princeton University and Yale University, two of
the most prestigious universities of the Nation. She was also an Assistant District Attorney
and subsequently, a trial lawyer in the private sector. Judge Sotomayor became a U.S.
District Court Judge in 1992, and five years later, was elevated to the 2nd Circuit Court of
Appeals. She is also a lecturer-in-law at Columbia Law School and a member of the
Board of Trustees of Princeton University; and

WHEREAS, Judge Sotomayor was born in the Bronx of Puerto Rican descent. If she is
confirmed, she would be the court's first Hispanic justice. This is of great significance in
terms of inspiration for Puerto Ricans and for the Hispanic community as well, and it is
truly a symbol of success and a reflection of the changing demographics of our country.
This will most certainly give Hispanics confidence in that their rights will be represented
before the country’s highest court, and that their voices will be heard; and

WHEREAS, Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States and their
presence is expected to continue to grow. Approximately 12.5 percent of people in the
United States are Hispanic, according to the 2000 Census of the U.S. Census Bureau. By
mid-century, Hispanics shall constitute nearly a quarter of the U.S. population according
to bureau estimates. It is laudable and desirable to have a Supreme Court that reflects the
presence of the Hispanic community in this Nation; and

WHEREAS, Judge Sotomayor’s academic and professional background, as well as her
personal experiences, qualify her to serve on the Nation's highest court. Her vast
knowledge and thirty years of legal experience in almost every level of our judicial system
provide her with a depth of experience and a broad perspective that will be invaluable as
a Supreme Court Justice.

WHEREAS, The NHCSL is the preeminent organization serving and representing the
interests of Hispanic state legislators from all states, commonwealths, and territories of
the United States. Its objective is to serve as a catalyst for joint action on issues of
common concern to all segments of the Hispanic community. The NHCSL advocates for
the appointment of Hispanics to positions of influence in all levels and branches of
government, which will positively impact public policy for Hispanics. In order to comply
with its mission, the NHCSL endorses the nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the United
States Supreme Court.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of this Body request that the United
States Senate confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor as United States Supreme Court Justice.
A copy of this Resolution shall be remitted to the Hon. Barack Obama, President of the
United States, the Hon. Joe Biden, Vice President of the United States and to all
members of the United States Senate.

Note:
This resolution combines and subsumes resolutions 2009 03 and 04 and integrates sponsors of both resolutions. This resolution was adopted on July 25, 2009, at the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators Executive Committee Spring Meeting held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and ratified at the NHCSL 2009 Annual Meeting held in Santa Monica,
California on November 21st, 2009.