HIRONO STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF PATRICIA MILLETT’S NOMINATION TO D.C. CIRCUIT COURT

Washington, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement in support of Patricia Millett’s nomination to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The nomination was filibustered today by Senate Republicans.

“As my colleagues have noted, Patricia Millett will bring a wealth of experience and skill to the bench. She is a nationally recognized appellate attorney. She has argued 35 cases in nearly all of the federal appellate courts and 32 cases at the Supreme Court. Patricia Millett is unquestionably qualified to serve as a Judge on the D.C. Circuit Court.

“I am proud to serve on the Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, and I have been moved by Patricia Millett’s experience as part of a military family. Her husband, Robert King, served in the Navy and as a Navy reservist until his retirement last year. In 2004, he was deployed to Kuwait as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was called up again in the fall of 2009 for Afghanistan, while Patricia cared for their two children, maintained the household, and continued her career – arguing before the Supreme Court.

“Patricia and her husband have faced what so many military families have – the difficulties of deployment, the challenges of separation and single parenting at home, and the process of reintegration when a service member returns. They have shown the deepest commitment to serving our nation.

“Patricia Millett will bring these important experiences and the devotion to this country unique to military families with her to the bench—a vital contribution to the D.C. Circuit given the distinct role it plays in adjudicating military and defense issues.

“Much of Patricia’s life has been devoted to public service, and her desire to serve as an appellate judge for the important D.C. Circuit is a reflection of that commitment to serve in the public interest. I am disappointed that our colleagues have blocked a vote to confirm Ms. Millett, I urge Senators to reconsider and support her nomination.”

Earlier this week, Hirono joined with Senate Judiciary Committee colleagues and members of the Military Spouse JD Network to call for Patricia Millett’s confirmation.