Bordallo Testifies In Support of Justice Tydingco-Gatewood for Federal Judgeship: U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Considers Presidential Nomination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—July 11, 2006—Washington, D.C.—

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo testified before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary today in support of the President’s nomination of Guam Supreme Court Justice Frances Marie Tydingco-Gatewood to be United States District Judge for the District of Guam.

Congresswoman Bordallo appeared before the committee to introduce Justice Tydingco-Gatewood, and to urge that the committee approve her nomination and that the full Senate confirm her.

“It is Justice Tydingco-Gatewood’s character, coupled with her formidable professional credentials, that leads me to confidently recommend her for the federal bench.  She is a leader, a role model for our young citizens, and a strong Chamorro woman who embodies the integrity and character of the Chamorro people,” said Bordallo, who further noted the Justice’s successes achieved as a young prosecutor on Guam and her dedication to family values.

“We are proud of Justice Tydingco-Gatewood and the honor bestowed by the President in nominating her.  She has the support of our community, the Governor and the Guam Bar Association,” Bordallo added while also highlighting the bipartisan support that Justice Tydingco-Gatewood’s nomination has received.  Bordallo noted that former Congressman Ben Blaz has also indicated his support for Justice Tydingco-Gatewood’s nomination.

Committee members attending today's hearing included Chairman Arlen Specter, U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania; Senator Edward Kennedy from Massachusetts; Senator Orrin G. Hatch from Utah; Senator Jeff Sessions from Alabama; Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina; and Senator John Cornyn from Texas.

President George W. Bush sent his nomination of Justice Tydingco-Gatewood to the U.S. Senate on April 25, 2006.  Justice Tydingco-Gatewood would be the fifth U.S. District Court Judge for Guam in the history of the Court and the first woman appointed to the judgeship if confirmed by the Senate.

Congress established the U.S. District Court of Guam under a provision in the Organic Act of Guam and under Article IV of the United States Constitution.  The President appoints federal judges with the advice and consent of the United States Senate in accordance with the United States Constitution.  The full United States Senate would consider the nomination of Justice Tydingco-Gatewood for this judgeship should the Committee on the Judiciary vote in favor of sending the nomination to the Senate floor.

Photo1/ Photo 2 :  Justice Frances Tydingco-Gatewood appears before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary for her federal judgeship nomination hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., July 11, 2006.  Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo introduced Justice Tydingco-Gatewood to the Committee and urged Senate support for her confirmation as the next U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Guam.

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Contact:  Alicia Chon in Washington, D.C. at (202) 225-1188 or Joseph E. Duenas at (671) 477-4272/4.

www.house.gov/bordallo

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