Majority Whip Clyburn Delivers Remarks in Support of Judge J. Michelle Childs' Nomination to the D.c. Circuit Court

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U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn delivered the following remarks today to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of Judge J. Michelle Childs' nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit:

"It is an honor to speak to you today about my fellow South Carolinian, Michelle Childs.

"Judge Childs was nominated to the U.S. District Court of South Carolina in 2010 and this august body confirmed her to that post by voice vote. During her service on the federal bench, Judge Childs has developed a reputation of respect, fairness, and exemplary temperament from all who have appeared before her.

"She is also highly regarded by her judicial peers, having recently completed a term as Chair of the Judicial Division of the American Bar Association. And, she is currently the President-elect of the Federal Judges Association, a position she was chosen for by Article III judges from all over the country. Her achievements are great, but what people remember most about Judge Childs are her demeanor and her dedication. In other words, her incredible judicial temperament. This did not come about, as we say down in Gullah-Geechee country, 'just dry long so.'

"After her father died, Judge Childs was brought to Columbia, South Carolina by her mother and raised in a working-class community in a single parent household. She attended a public high school, a public university, and a public law school.

"She worked hard and achieved accolades as high school valedictorian, the winner of the University of South Florida outstanding graduate award. She earned a Master's degree in Personnel and Employment Relations from the University of South Carolina School of Business at the same time that she earned her law degree. She went on to become the first Black woman to make partner at a major South Carolina law firm.

"Her distinguished work in the private sector led to appointments in the public sector. She was appointed deputy director of the State Department of Labor and then elevated to serve on the South Carolina Workers Compensation Commission. The South Carolina General Assembly elected her in 2006 to serve as a South Carolina Circuit Court Judge, and two year later she became the Chief Administrative Judge for General Sessions.

"While she has done many extraordinary things, it is the ordinary upbringing that has helped shape her life's work and made her an example for so many young people in similar circumstances. These experiences reflect the experiences of so many Americans.

"Judge Childs has distinguished herself at every stage of her long career in public service, and, if confirmed, I believe you can expect great things from Judge Childs on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit as well. I appreciate this opportunity and ask for your support of this outstanding nominee."

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