Statement

"Today's historic confirmation of Lorna Schofield to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is not only a victory for the people of New York and the nation as a whole. It is also a giant step towards a more equitable representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders on the federal bench. Ms. Schofield is the first Filipina-American to serve as a federal judge in the history of the United States. Ms. Schofield has broken many barriers throughout her career, and today's confirmation symbolizes a judiciary that better mirrors the nation it serves. As Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I thank President Obama and Senator Schumer for their leadership on her nomination and Senator Reid for today's confirmation. I also applaud the Obama Administration's commitment to a highly qualified bench and the President's unwavering commitment to diversity that truly reflects America."