Washington, D.C. – United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote to approve without opposition the nomination of Rhode Island Superior Court Justice O. Rogeriee Thompson to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Last year, following an open and in-depth selection process which included extensive interviews and careful deliberation, Reed and Whitehouse recommended Justice Thompson to the President, who then formally nominated her in October.
“Justice Thompson is an exceptional public servant with a profound respect for the rule of law. The Senate Judiciary Committee today affirmed our belief that she possesses the legal background, intellect, and temperament to serve with distinction on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit,” said Reed and Whitehouse. “We look forward to voting for Justice Thompson’s confirmation on the Senate floor.”
Whitehouse, a member of the Judiciary Committee, joined Committee members in supporting the nomination by voice vote. Justice Thompson’s nomination will now be sent to the full Senate for final confirmation. To date, President Obama has nominated 12 circuit court judges and 4 have been confirmed.
O. Rogeriee Thompson received her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law. She also holds honorary degrees from the University of Rhode Island and Bryant College. Justice Thompson has served on the Rhode Island Superior Court since 1997, when she became the first African American woman to serve on that court.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit is based in Boston and hears appeals from Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico.
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