In her remarks, Klobuchar highlighted Miller’s consistent opposition to tribal interests

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar took to the Senate floor to express her opposition to the nomination of Eric Miller to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit. In her remarks, Klobuchar highlighted Miller’s consistent opposition to tribal interests, as well as the fact that Miller did not receive a blue slip from either home state senator.

“My state of Minnesota has a large and diverse tribal population. I have always believed that our state’s history has been drawn from the culture and traditions of our Native Americans. And as a member of the Judiciary Committee, I know that tribal sovereignty is a fundamental tenet of our law. The Ninth Circuit is home to more federally recognized tribes than any other circuit, more than 425 total. So many of the cases that come before the court involve tribal issues,” Klobuchar said. “I am concerned that Mr. Miller has a history of representing interests that have sought to undermine tribal sovereignty. For example, in a brief he filed before the Supreme Court, he urged the Court to adopt a standard that would have undermined the legitimacy of many federally-recognized tribal governments. The National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund have come out against his confirmation. It is only the third time in the history of these two organizations, that they have opposed a judicial nominee.”

Klobuchar continued, “I believe we need judges, particularly on the Ninth Circuit that respect the history and contribution of tribal nations, not one that seeks to undermine their sovereign status.

“Finally, it pains me to say that this is an historic moment for this body—for the Senate—because of how we came to be here today.

“We are voting on this nomination today because of an unprecedented disregard for the Senate’s traditions when it comes to judicial nominations. According to the Congressional Research Service, no judge has ever been confirmed without having both blue slips returned by both home state senators.

Until now.”

Broadcast-quality video of Klobuchar’s remarks are available here.

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