Dear Mr. Hamster:
Thank you for contacting me about the nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as a United States Circuit Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. I always appreciate hearing from Arizonans about issues facing our state and country. It is important that we have conversations about topics that matter to you and your family, and I hope you will continue to reach out to me and share your perspectives and suggestions.
Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution empowers the president to appoint certain public officials, including federal judges, with the advice and consent of the United States Senate. Prior to an official nomination, each nominee traditionally undergoes a detailed vetting process, including comprehensive investigations by the Department of Justice and other government agencies. After introduction on the Senate floor, the nominations move to the Senate committees with jurisdiction over the appointed position. For federal judges, that is the Senate Judiciary Committee. Following committee hearings and approval, the entire Senate votes on the confirmation of the nominee.
On April 19, 2021, President Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which has appellate jurisdiction over the District of Columbia. It is composed of 11 judges who adjudicate on appeals from the district court for the District of Columbia. Given that fewer than two percent of cases filed for review by the Supreme Court of the United States are actually taken up by the Supreme Court, the decisions of the 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals nationwide serve as final judgments on more than 98 percent of federal cases. Supporters of Judge Jackson argue her extensive judicial experience as a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia qualify her for this role. Opponents are concerned about her ability to impartially uphold federal law. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Judge Jackson’s nomination by a vote of 13 to nine on May 20, 2021. The United States Senate confirmed Judge Jackson’s nomination by a vote of 53 to 44 on June 14, 2021. I voted in favor of her confirmation.
As Arizona’s senior senator, I will evaluate every presidential nominee based on whether he or she is professionally qualified, believes in the mission of his or her agency, and can be trusted to faithfully execute and uphold the law as it exists. I voted in favor of Judge Jackson’s confirmation because after thoughtfully considering hernomination, I am confident that she is wellqualified and will impartially uphold the law.
Thank you for sharing your view on this issue with me. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any future questions or comments. Additionally, if you would like to stay connected to our office with the latest news, legislation, and other useful information, please visit our website, sinema.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Kyrsten Sinema
United States Senator