Blog: Senate Fills One of Colorado's Emergency Judgeships

Statement

I have some great news to share with you. Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Bill Martinez to the U.S. District Court in Colorado. The vacancy Mr. Martinez will fill is one of two on the District Court, both of which are rated as judicial emergencies.

Mr. Martinez's confirmation was a long time coming. Senator Bennet and I recommended Bill for the bench almost two years ago on the advice of a bipartisan advisory committee, which was chaired by prominent legal experts in Colorado. Unfortunately, his confirmation by the full Senate was delayed for over eight months due to obstruction resulting from the broken culture in Washington, a culture I am fighting to change.

Not only has the obstruction directly hurt the people of Colorado by worsening the backlog in our federal courts, it has sent a troubling message to anyone who seeks to be a public servant. Bill essentially had to put his job on hold for two years while his nomination was debated. But yesterday, after a long fight on behalf of Bill, Colorado's federal courts, and the people of Colorado, we finally were able to confirm him. It was the last round in an epic battle - and Colorado won.

Mr. Martinez has a personal story that captures what is great about America and highlights what an individual can accomplish through discipline and extraordinary hard work. I believe in strong, well-balanced courts that serve the needs of our citizens. Bill Martinez brings that sense of balance because of his broad legal background, professionalism, and outstanding intellect. I'm proud to have recommended him, and I am certain he will make an outstanding judge for us in Colorado.

Mark Udall

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