Rockefeller Praises Judge Irene Berger At Confirmation Hearing For Federal District Court

Press Release

Senator Jay Rockefeller, who recommended the Honorable Irene C. Berger for a federal judgeship on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and applauded her nomination by President Obama, introduced Judge Berger at her confirmation hearing today before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he praised her credentials and commended her dedication to public service.

“Judge Berger is absolutely superb. Today's confirmation hearing makes me so very proud. She has served Kanawha County strongly and honorably as a circuit judge, and I know she will do the same for all West Virginians. Her integrity, judicial temperament and fairness are unmatched, and I am honored that the Judiciary Committee is moving forward on her nomination for this esteemed position,” said Rockefeller.

Following today's hearing, Judge Berger's nomination will be voted on by the Judiciary Committee and then by the full U.S. Senate.

Judge Berger Background

Judge Berger is a native of Berwind and has served for 15 years as a circuit judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit of West Virginia. As Rockefeller and Senator Robert C. Byrd highlighted to President Obama in their recommendation, she has been a person of firsts throughout her life. She was among the first to integrate her local elementary school, the first in her family to attend college, and the first African-American woman to serve as circuit court judge in West Virginia. Judge Berger also would be West Virginia's first African-American federal judge.

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