WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-1) today offered the following statement on the Senate confirmation of Elena Kagan as the next United States Supreme Court Justice.

“In confirming Elena Kagan as the next Supreme Court Justice, the Senate today recognized the keen legal mind and unique, thoughtful perspective she will bring to the Court.  Kagan brings to the bench a fair and reasonable judicial philosophy that has been honed during her successful stints as Dean of Harvard Law School, and as our nation’s first female Solicitor General.  She acquitted herself admirably during the confirmation hearings in the Senate, and the bi-partisan support she received in both the Judiciary Committee and on the floor is a testament to her outstanding qualifications.  With an unparalleled history of building consensus across diverse coalitions, Kagan brings important leadership to the bench and joins Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor as one of a record three female justices currently on the Court.  Possessing both the requisite temperament and intellect, Kagan is an outstanding addition to the Court as it continues to grapple with the most important issues of our time.”