Durbin Urges Colleagues To Support Nomination Of Gustavo Gelpi To The First Circuit

When confirmed, Judge Gelpi will be only the second judge of Hispanic origin, and the second judge from Puerto Rico, to serve on the First Circuit

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today spoke in support of the nomination of Gustavo Gelpi to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.  In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin highlighted Judge Gelpi’s extensive qualifications, as well as the judicial experience he would bring to the First Circuit.  The Senate will proceed to a confirmation vote on Judge Gelpi’s nomination tonight.

“Having served as a federal judge for 20 years, Judge Gelpi is eminently qualified to sit on the First Circuit.  He’s already presided over 3,400 cases, 62 jury trials, [and] issued almost 900 written opinions,” Durbin said.  “Judge Gelpi’s nomination is yet another example of the Biden Administration and Senate Democrats working to advance judicial nominees who bring professional and demographic diversity to the federal bench.  The fact that Judge Gelpi has been nominated by both Republican and Democratic Presidents is almost historic, and it’s certainly a testament to his even-handedness and fidelity to the rule of law… I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Judge Gelpi’s nomination.”

Video of Durbin’s statement on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s statement on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s statement on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

In July, Judge Gelpi advanced out of Committee with a bipartisan vote of 12-10.

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