Wicker Optimistic about Graves Confirmation

Press Release

Mississippi Senator says Fifth Circuit appointment should not be delayed

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today urged members of the Senate to quickly confirm the nomination of Justice James Graves of Mississippi to a federal judicial position. Yesterday, Wicker reiterated his official support for Graves with the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"Last week, I personally spoke with Chairman Leahy and urged him to move Justice Graves's nomination quickly," said Wicker. "I am hopeful the judge will be sworn-in within a matter of weeks. Justice Graves has achieved widespread support, and he deserves to be confirmed very soon to begin his work for the Fifth Circuit."

Graves, who currently serves as a Presiding Justice on the Mississippi Supreme Court, was re-nominated by the President to serve as a Circuit Court Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Last year, the Judiciary Committee recommended Graves' confirmation to the full Senate, but the Senate failed to approve the nomination before the 111th Congress adjourned.

A native of Clinton, Miss., Graves was a Circuit Court Judge in Hinds County before being appointed to the Mississippi Supreme Court in 2001. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Millsaps College, a law degree from the Syracuse University College of Law, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University.

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