Clyburn Statement on Nomination of Elena Kagan to the US Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement on President Barack Obama’s nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

“I commend President Obama on his nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the United States Supreme Court.  Solicitor Kagan is a well-respected jurist who is immensely qualified to serve on the nation’s highest court.  She brings with her an in-depth knowledge of the law and an understanding of the impact of the Court’s rulings on everyday Americans.

“With this nomination, Elena Kagan follows in the footsteps of her mentor, Thurgood Marshall, who also was nominated to the Supreme Court from the position of Solicitor General.  Like her mentor, Ms. Kagan has broken down barriers as the first woman to serve as Solicitor General and the first woman to serve as dean of Harvard Law School. If Solicitor General Kagan is confirmed, the Supreme Court will have three sitting female Justices for the first time – a historic occurrence that is long overdue.

“Her historic accomplishments and impressive legal credentials combined with her diversity of experience make Solicitor General Elena Kagan an exceptional choice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. I look forward to her swift and timely confirmation.”