Prominent Indian-Americans on Friday hailed the historic nomination of legal eagle Srikanth Sri Srinivasan as a judge to the country’s second highest court.
Chandigarh-born Srinivasan’s nomination to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit was unanimously approved by the Senate with 97 voting in favour. Srinivasan (46) has become the first South Asian to be appointed to the top American court amid speculation that he may one day be tapped for the Supreme Court.
Congressman Ami Bera, the only serving Indian-American lawmaker in the current Congress, said he was thrilled at the unanimous confirmation of Srinivasan by the US Senate. “I’m thrilled that the Senate confirmed Sri Srinivasan to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals today,” said Bera. He had written a letter to the Senate Majority leader Harry Reid in this regard on Wednesday.
“He will be an outstanding, fair-minded judge. This is a historic moment for all Indian Americans and Asian Americans, and it’s a fitting way to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May,” Bera said.
“Sri Srinivasan made history today. As first South Asian on US Court of Appeals for District of Columbia Circuit, Sri will offer a unique perspective and added diversity that is long overdue in our justice system,” said Tulsi Gabbard, first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress.