Dear Mr. Hamster,

          Thank you for contacting me about diversity in federal court nominations. As a former Navy pilot, combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut, it is an honor to continue my service to our country representing Arizona in the United States Senate. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on the issues facing our state and our country. Hearing from Arizonans helps me better serve our state, and I hope you will continue to share your perspective and suggestions.

          Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution establishes the judicial branch, which is made up of a series of district and appellate courts, and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the highest federal court in the United States and hears cases on appeal from federal appeals courts and state supreme courts. To serve as a federal district court judge, appellate judge, or Supreme Court justice, an individual must be appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate to serve lifetime terms. Because the decisions made by federal judges are so highly consequential, some have raised concerns that the current bench of appointed judges does not accurately reflect our nation’s diversity and that future judicial nominations should be more representative of our country’s diverse population. 

          Arizonans understand the importance of having an impartial court system that works for equal justice under the law for all Americans. I take seriously the role of evaluating federal court judge nominees for lifetime appointments. As the United States Senate considers these nominations, I review each nominee based on their qualifications and commitment to fairly interpret and uphold the law. Already, the United States Senate has confirmed a number of qualified federal court judge nominees from diverse backgrounds. I look forward to considering additional nominees and working with my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, to build a more fair justice system for all Americans.

          Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue, and I hope you will continue to contact my office with any future comments or questions. I’m committed to being transparent and accountable with all Arizonans, which is why I release my official Senate schedule at kelly.senate.gov. There you can also receive assistance with a federal agency and learn more about my work as Arizona’s senator.

Sincerely, 
 
Mark Kelly
United States Senator