NCLR HAILS SUPREME COURT JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR

Washington, DC—NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, hailed the U.S. Senate vote today to confirm Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court. In a strong, bipartisan show of support, the Senate approved the nomination by a vote of 68 to 31.

“August 6, 2009 marks a watershed moment for this great nation, and it is a date that will quickly take hold in the memories of millions of Hispanic Americans of all ages and backgrounds,” stated NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía. “History was made today and our country will be the better for it.”

“As was evident in her poised and thoughtful appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sotomayor will bring to the Supreme Court a compelling life story, 30 years of extensive experience in the law, 17 notable years on the federal bench, and a dedication to the Constitution and to the rule of law.”

“Finally, our community has representation on the highest court in the land. For that reason and many others, this vote matters to Latinos and it matters to our country. Latinos will always remember who recognized the significance of this nomination and did everything possible to make this long-deferred dream a reality for the Hispanic community,” Murguía concluded.