Photo courtesy Javier Sierra
Our federal court system -- with its 870 judges among it -- is a crucial part of our fight for a livable future and a healthy democracy. Each judge hears cases involving civil rights, voting rights, our ability to reduce pollution and ensure clean air, water, and a safe climate, and so much more.
Our environmental laws are only as strong as the judges who uphold them. That's why we must fight for federal judges who have a proven record ensuring a fair and just society for everyone, no matter one's race, gender, background, or zip code.
Right now, before the Senate, there is a well-qualified suite of judges awaiting a final confirmation vote. The sooner they are confirmed, the sooner they can hear cases to advance justice and enforce our environmental laws.
President Biden has done an excellent job nominating judges who represent the makeup of Americans -- with a diversity of race, background, and professional experience -- and who will follow the law and the science rather than doing the bidding of polluters and other corporate interests. We are especially looking forward to the confirmations of:
- Nancy Abudu - Among the most experienced litigators in the nation on criminal law and constitutional law, Nancy Abudu has presided over cases involving religious expression, voting rights, civil liberties, and administrative law. If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman and only the third Black judge in the 11th Circuit Court's history (an area encompassing the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia).
- Rachel S. Bloomekatz - A prominent public interest attorney, Rachel S. Bloomekatz has fought and defended our bedrock environmental laws in court. Her confirmation will be crucial as we work to defend clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for all.
- Bradley Garcia - With extensive experience litigating civil rights issues, Bradley Garcia is eminently qualified, to sit on one of the most powerful courts in the country. If confirmed, he would be the first Latinx person to sit on the D.C. Circuit.
- Dale Ho - A well-known public interest attorney with experience at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the ACLU, Dale Ho has spent his career defending the freedom to vote for all Americans. He is nominated for the Southern District of New York which is one of the most populated and racially diverse regions in the entire country. If confirmed, Dale Ho would be the only the third Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) on the Court of the Southern District of New York.
These nominees are part of the first cohort nominated by President Biden in 2023. We need the Senate to move swiftly to confirm them.
Each judge gets a lifetime appointment -- serving 20, 30, or even 40 years! -- underscoring the importance of every confirmed nominee. Federal judges are appointed by the President and then must be confirmed by the Senate. It's one more reason the Presidency and Senate are so important -- and one way we can ensure a fair and independent judiciary and its appropriate role in our democracy.