Senate confirms Catholic nominee for federal appeals court

Published: 2005-06-14

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- With a 53-45 vote June 9, the Senate confirmed former Alabama Attorney General William Pryor for a permanent appointment on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Pryor, a Catholic, has been on the court since President George W. Bush gave him a recess appointment to the seat in February 2004, following a Democrat-led filibuster of a vote on his confirmation in the Senate. That appointment would have expired this year. In a statement after the vote, Pryor said he was "humbled by the prayers and broad support of so many Alabamians and other Americans who supported my nomination for the last two years. I can think of no greater honor or weightier responsibility for an American lawyer than to serve as a federal judge who is bound to support and defend the Constitution of our beloved nation," he said. "By God's grace, I will continue to give this duty my best effort."

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