Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement moments after the United States Senate voted to confirm U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals Justice Sonia Sotomayor to be an Associate Justice to the U.S. Supreme Court:

"The United States Senate voted today to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.  A New York City native of Puerto Rican heritage, she will become the first Hispanic and third female Supreme Court Justice in United States history.   

"This is a joyous day not only for New York and Hispanic Americans, but for all Americans.  With this confirmation, the diverse richness of this country − its experiences, beliefs, and cultures − will be better reflected in the Highest Court of the Land.  Having a Supreme Court Justice who is Latina is a great source of pride for me, as a New Yorker, a lawyer and legislator who represents so many Puerto Ricans and Latinos in and out of my Congressional District.

"Judge Sotomayor has made New York so proud during this nomination process.  From her nomination speech at the White House to her testimony during the Senate Judiciary hearings, she has displayed the intellect, strength, character, and grace that represents the soundness of President Obama's selection and the limitless potential that anyone from any background can achieve in our democratic society.

"Judge Sotomayor brings more than 15 years of experience as a federal judge and a real-life perspective to the court.  Whether as an assistant prosecutor, a corporate attorney, or a district judge, she has performed at the highest level of professionalism while always striving to ensure that the law is applied equally and fairly.  I thank the President Obama and the Senate for their leadership in moving our country in the right direction with this historical vote."

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