Nomination of Myong J. Joun

Floor Speech

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Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to speak in support of the confirmation of Judge Myong Joun to the U.S. Court for the District of Massachusetts.

In a few minutes, the Senate will vote to invoke cloture on Judge Joun's nomination. And this afternoon, once we have invoked cloture, we will vote on his confirmation.

When Judge Joun was a child, his family immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea with only a few dollars in their pockets. He was raised by his single mother who earned a living as a seamstress. He attended New York City Public Schools, served in the Massachusetts National Guard, and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston and Suffolk University Law School in Boston.

In private practice, including at his own law firm, Judge Joun litigated extensively before the Massachusetts State and Federal courts, eventually earning an appointment as a justice of the Boston Municipal Court.

Judge Joun has shown a steadfast commitment to civil rights and access to justice. In private practice, he often took on cases involving police misconduct, wage theft, and housing violations. As one of his many colleagues writing in on his behalf put it, Judge Joun's ``professional life has been devoted to working with people who need legal assistance but are unable to navigate the system because of language, financial, or educational barriers.''

Judge Joun has also consistently and generously given his time to service, holding leadership roles in organizations such as the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Bar Association, and the National Lawyers Guild. For many years, he has taught trial advocacy to law students.

Over the course of his career, Judge Joun has exemplified the highest standards of the legal profession. He is a dedicated public servant who will bring knowledge, experience, and compassion to the Massachusetts Federal district court. As the first Asian-American man and first Korean American to serve on the district court of Massachusetts, Judge Joun will be a trailblazer. I have no doubt that he will continue to serve the people of Massachusetts with distinction, and I look forward to his confirmation.

Senator Warren and I absolutely endorse his candidacy with the strongest possible recommendation to the full Senate, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote yes on cloture and on his nomination.

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