Statement by Wade Henderson on the Confirmation of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court

“The Leadership Conference applauds the Senate’s confirmation of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court. General Kagan will bring to the Court her outstanding intellect, her independence of thought, her respect for the rule of law, and her strong commitment to equal justice and civil rights. Her rich diversity of experience and her skills as a consensus builder will be a great benefit to the Supreme Court and to our justice system.

As the first woman to become Dean of Harvard Law School, the first woman to become U.S. Solicitor General, and now the fourth woman to become a Supreme Court Justice, Kagan is a trailblazer and an inspiration to millions. We look forward to seeing her fair-minded and thoughtful approach to the law reflected in the work of the Supreme Court for many years to come.

Today’s vote, however, should not obscure the fact that President Obama’s opponents are engaging in an unprecedented use of secret holds and filibusters to delay – and ultimately deny – confirmation votes for a significant number of highly qualified nominees to the federal district and circuit courts. We urge the Senate to put partisanship aside and promptly provide up-or-down confirmation votes to every nominee recommended by the Senate Judiciary Committee.”