WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today went to the Senate floor to offer final endorsements of Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James E. Graves, Jr. before the Senate voted to confirm him as a Circuit Court Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

The Senate confirmed Graves on a voice vote Monday, following statements made by Cochran and Wicker on his behalf.

“I believe James Graves is well qualified for service as a Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit,” Cochran said.  “I am pleased the Senate has completed the confirmation process so that Justice Graves can take up the important work of serving on the federal bench.” 

“Justice Graves achieved widespread, bipartisan support, and I am glad the Senate confirmed his nomination today,” said Wicker.  “His experience and judicial knowledge should serve the Fifth Circuit and the people of Mississippi well.”

Support from the Mississippi Senators helped move Graves’ nomination forward after it appeared to be stalled at the end of the 111th Congress in December.  President Obama resubmitted the Graves nomination in January, and the Senate Judiciary Committee last week again recommended his confirmation.

Graves currently serves as a Presiding Justice on the Mississippi Supreme Court.  A native of Clinton, Miss., Graves was a Circuit Court Judge in Hinds County before ascending to the Mississippi Supreme Court in 2001.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Millsaps College, a law degree from the Syracuse University College of Law and a Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University.

Links:
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit:  http://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/default.aspx
• White House nomination statement:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-names-james-e-graves-jr-us-court-appeals

###