Judiciary

Supported Nomination of Bob Rossiter to Federal Bench for Nebraska: After learning of a vacancy resulting from the retirement of Judge Bataillon, Senator Fischer and then-Senator Johanns launched a statewide search. Approximately 20 individuals asked to be considered for this position, and each of them filled out the Senate Judiciary Committee’s lengthy questionnaire. After careful review, Senator Fischer and then-Senator Johanns decided to interview a half-dozen finalists. Then, after weeks of thorough consideration, the senators agreed to recommend Bob Rossiter of Omaha to President Obama. In the summer of 2015, President Obama nominated Mr. Rossiter to serve as a federal judge for the District of Nebraska. Senator Fischer testified on his behalf at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September. The committee approved his nomination in October, setting the stage for a vote on the Senate floor.

A new judge for Nebraska’s federal bench: The Senate vote 90-0 to confirm Bob Rossiter of Omaha as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. Senator Fischer worked for more than two years on Rossiter’s nomination and confirmation. Click here to read more on Bob Rossiter in an editorial from the Omaha World-Herald.

Called on President to enforce immigration laws: Senator Fischer signed a letter to President Obama in response to reports of potential changes in immigration enforcement policy, and in light of the Administration’s current practice of disregarding the immigration laws on the books. In 2013, the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released 68,000 undocumented immigrants deemed by ICE to pose a criminal threat. ICE has been directed to refrain from imprisoning aliens who are in the U.S. illegally unless a serious crime is committed. The letter expresses strong opposition to the Administrations “astonishing disregard for the Constitution.”

Worked to end child abuse: Senator Fischer cosponsored the Victims of Child Abuse Reauthorization Act (S. 1799), which provides funding for Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) that serve child victims of violent crimes and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable.

Pushed to ban late-term abortion: Senator Fischer cosponsored the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S.1670), a bill that protects children from late-term abortion. The American people support reasonable limits on late-term abortions and Senator Fischer believes this commonsense measure, which was already approved in Nebraska, should also be adopted at the federal level.

Promoted adoption as a loving option: Senator Fischer introduced legislation to ensure family planning service projects and programs effectively promote information about adoption. The Adoption Information Act (S.1539) would require federal grant recipients to provide assurances to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding their plan to issue adoption promotion literature.

114th Congress