Remarks by President Biden on Securing 235 Judicial Confirmations

The President expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the applause from the crowd, jokingly attributing it to his timely arrival. He apologized for his delayed start, explaining the busy schedule that included managing two crises, one in Louisiana and another in Las Vegas. The President had assembled the country’s Defense and Intelligence teams in the Situation Room to address these situations. He briefly mentioned that he would take a moment to update the public on the investigations into the terrorist attacks in New Orleans and the truck explosion in Las Vegas, before proceeding with the main agenda.

The President shared an update on the ongoing investigations, revealing that the number of fatalities in New Orleans had risen to 15, including the attacker, and 35 others were injured. The FBI had briefed him, confirming that there was no indication that anyone other than the attacker was involved. The assailant had planted explosives in ice coolers in the French Quarter before using his vehicle to ram into the crowd. The FBI also determined that the attacker had a remote detonator in his vehicle to trigger the explosions.

The President reiterated that the attacker had posted videos hours before the attack, expressing strong support for ISIS. Federal law enforcement and the intelligence community were actively investigating potential foreign or domestic connections. He also noted that no connection had been found between the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas explosion, though the investigation continued. The individual responsible for the Las Vegas explosion had been an active-duty U.S. Army member, and the FBI was collaborating with the Department of Defense to investigate the possible motives.

The President emphasized his commitment to accelerating the investigations and ensuring transparency, with the intent to share all facts as soon as they were available. He also praised the resilience of New Orleans, stating that the city’s spirit could not be subdued, and that the Sugar Bowl event was back on. Security in the French Quarter was being reinforced, and local authorities were regaining control of Bourbon Street.

The President assured the American people that efforts to combat terrorism, including the relentless pursuit of ISIS and other groups, would continue. He promised further updates as more information emerged.

Turning to the main topic, the President expressed deep appreciation for Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Durbin, acknowledging their invaluable leadership. Reflecting on his past experience as Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, the President highlighted the importance of judicial nominations. He proudly announced that the Senate had recently confirmed its 235th federal judge, a record for a single presidential term, including 1 Supreme Court justice, 45 Circuit Court judges, 187 District Court judges, and 2 judges on the Court of International Trade.

The President stressed that these appointments were crucial for preserving the Constitution and ensuring justice. He remarked on how these judges represented the best of America, with diverse backgrounds, including civil rights advocates and former public defenders. He also emphasized the historic nature of the appointments, such as the first Black woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court and the largest number of Black women ever appointed to the Courts of Appeals. Other firsts included appointments for Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Muslim Americans, making the judiciary more representative of America’s diversity.

The President acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both Democrats and Republicans in filling judicial vacancies, noting that even Republican senators had sent forward nominees who understood the importance of civil rights and constitutional safeguards. These judges, the President explained, would play a vital role in upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice in a wide range of issues, from voting rights to workers’ rights and environmental protections.

In closing, the President expressed pride in the lasting legacy of these judicial appointments, emphasizing the importance of a judiciary that reflects the nation’s diversity and upholds its founding principles of liberty, justice, and equality. He thanked the leaders in the room for their support, particularly Majority Leader Schumer and Chair Durbin, and for their role in advancing these appointments.