WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) today offered the following statement on President Barack Obama’s nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan as the next Supreme Court Justice:

"In nominating Elena Kagan as the next Supreme Court Justice, President Obama today made an outstanding choice for the Court and for our nation," said DeGette. "With a distinguished record of accomplishment as a Supreme Court clerk, dean of Harvard Law School, and the first female Solicitor General, Kagan will bring a unique and thoughtful perspective to the Court.  Kagan’s fair-mindedness and unparalleled ability to build consensus will serve her well on the Court, as will her unwavering commitment to understanding how the law impacts the lives of all Americans.  She will be an important voice on a Court that will continue to confront the pressing issues of our time, from civil liberties to the environment, from consumer protection to a woman’s right to choose. Regarded as a first-rate legal scholar and universally respected for her integrity and passion for the law, Kagan’s leadership will help provide sound judgment at this critical time in our nation’s history, while she would make history as one of a record three female justices sitting on the Court. I look forward to the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Solicitor General Kagan as the next Supreme Court Justice."

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