WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today spoke from the Senate floor in advance of a successful vote to close debate on the nomination of Judge Cory T. Wilson, who is President Trump’s choice to be a U.S. Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The Senate is expected to hold a final vote later this week on Wilson’s confirmation.

An excerpt of those remarks is below:

“I rise at this point in strong, enthusiastic support of confirmation for my friend Judge Cory Wilson. This will be a historic moment for this body and for the Administration. A vote to confirm Judge Wilson would make him the two-hundredth judge to be confirmed under President Trump.

“This is the highest number of judges confirmed at this point in a presidency since the presidency of Jimmy Carter. And Judge Wilson is an outstanding nominee to have this distinction. The seat we’re voting on to fill is actually the last remaining Circuit Court vacancy at this time, reflecting the remarkable progress we have made in rebuilding the federal judiciary.

“Judge Wilson is an outstanding nominee to mark this milestone. His credentials, intellect, and respect for the rule of law are well-established. The American Bar Association is considered by many to be the gold standard for assessing judicial nominees, and the American Bar Association has awarded Judge Wilson its highest rating of “well-qualified” to serve on the Fifth Circuit. I certainly agree with this assessment by the ABA.

“In recent weeks, senators on both sides of the aisle have been able to question Judge Wilson about his judicial philosophy, and I believe he’s shown a steadfast commitment to honoring the Constitution and enforcing the laws passed by the Congress as we have written them.”

In his remarks, Wicker also mentioned the strong recommendations that have been made on Judge Wilson’s behalf, including one letter from retired Circuit Judge Robert L. Gibbs. Wicker introduced that letter into the official record.