Chandigarh-born 46-year-old Srinivasan’s nomination to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, also referred as the nation’s second-highest court, was unanimously approved by the Senate late on Thursday, with 97-0 vote.
With his confirmation, Srinivasan has become the first South Asian to be appointed to the top court, amid speculation that he may one day be tapped for the Supreme Court.
“Sri is a trailblazer who personifies the best of America. Now he will serve with distinction on the federal bench,” Obama said in a statement.
“Sri will in fact be the first South Asian American to serve as a circuit court judge in our history... Sri spent nearly two decades as an extraordinary litigator before serving as Principal Deputy Solicitor General of the United States,” he said.
Srinivasan was first nominated by Obama on June 11, 2012. On January 2, 2013, his nomination was returned to the President, due to the sine die adjournment of the Senate. On January 3, 2013, Obama re-nominated him for the same office.
Senate judiciary committee chairman Patrick Leahy, hailed the appointment to what is considered as the top court of the country after the Supreme Court.
Senator Mark R. Warner, co-chair of the bipartisan Senate India Caucus, said he is delighted with the unanimous confirmation. Warner had introduced Srinivasan in the Judiciary Committee earlier this year.
“Sri is exceptionally well qualified and possesses the credentials, experience, knowledge, and judgment that this eminent position requires,” he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment