U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, made the following statement today after President Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the United States Supreme Court:

“The nomination of any individual to the Supreme Court is a historic moment for this country. Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination to the Supreme Court is also an important moment for the Hispanic community in America.
 
“Very few doubt Judge Sotomayor’s legal experience or her compelling personal story. But confirmation to the Supreme Court should not solely depend on professional experience or biography. Confirmation should primarily be based upon fealty to the Constitution of the United States.
 
“Every year the Supreme Court makes decisions that have a profound impact on our society. With issues coming before the Court ranging from our fundamental freedoms to the sanctity of life and marriage, the United States Senate must hold a fair and thorough confirmation process to determine whether Judge Sotomayor will faithfully apply the Constitution to cases before the Court or whether she will engage in the judicial activism of the recent past."