Sonia Sotomayor made history on Thursday when she was confirmed as the Supreme Court’s newest justice by a 68-31 vote in the Senate, becoming the first Latina and only the third woman to sit on the Court. She was sworn in on Saturday by Chief Justice Roberts with her hand on a bible held by her mother, and was surrounded by about 60 guests, including Justice Anthony Kennedy, members of the Obama administration, friends, and family. “It is our nation’s faith in a more perfect union that allows a Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx to stand here now,” she said after being honored by the President at a White House reception. She continued:
I am struck again today by the wonder of my own life and the life we in America are so privileged to lead…I am deeply humbled by the sacred responsibility of upholding our laws and safeguarding the rights and freedoms set forth in our Constitution. I ask not just my family and friends, but I ask all Americans to wish me divine guidance and wisdom in administering my new office.
It is thrilling to see Sotomayor added to the Court, and we applaud Pennsylvania Senators Casey and Specter (as well as the other 66 senators) for voting to approve her confirmation. We join the National Women’s Law Center in encouraging you to take a moment to thank the senators who made history and voted to confirm this exceptional woman. As President Obama remarked: “When Justice Sotomayor put her hand on that Bible and took that oath … we came yet another step to the more perfect union that we all seek.”
