SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8020

As Passed Senate, March 10, 2003

Brief Description: Requesting the United States Senate to approve Mr. Estrada.

Sponsors: Senators West, Oke, Hale, Zarelli, Esser, Swecker, Schmidt, Honeyford, Stevens, Deccio, Sheahan, Hewitt, Horn, Mulliken, Morton, Finkbeiner, McCaslin, Carlson, Parlette, Rossi, Johnson, Brandland, Roach and Benton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 2/28/03, 3/5/03 [DP, DNP].

Passed Senate: 3/10/03, 26-22.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chair; Esser, Vice Chair; Brandland, Hargrove and Johnson.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

      Signed by Senator Thibaudeau.

Staff: Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background: Miguel A. Estrada was nominated by President Bush on May 9, 2001, to a position on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. No vote has taken place in the United States Senate on his nomination. Mr. Estrada served as an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Chief of the Appellate Section in the Southern District of New York. He has also worked as an Assistant to the Solicitor General and represented the government in many jury trials and appeals.

Summary of Bill: The United States Senate is requested to confirm Mr. Miguel Estrada to serve as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. It is resolved that copies of the memorial be immediately transmitted to the Honorable George W. Bush, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Testimony For: Mr. Estrada came to this country from Honduras and couldn't speak English. He mastered the English language and proceeded to graduate from Columbia University and Harvard Law School. These are accomplishments that most legislators have not achieved. He has represented the government in many trials and appeals. Mr. Estrada has accumulated very favorable ratings from numerous organizations and has widespread support. It is important that he be allowed to join the U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Senator West, prime sponsor.