Issues
The Senate considered President Joe Biden’s nomination of Nancy L. Maldonado to serve as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. The 7th Circuit is one of the nation’s most powerful courts, with jurisdiction over Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Federal judges serve for life and the laws that protect our environment and democracy need judges who will uphold and enforce them. As a litigator in private practice, Maldonado demonstrated her commitment to equal justice for all in fighting for the rights of working people facing employment discrimination and unfair labor practices, including farmworkers who had previously been denied fair overtime and paid rest breaks. In her recent service as a judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Maldonado followed an evenhanded approach and allowed plaintiffs in important cases about excessive use of force, sexual harassment, and disability discrimination to move forward. In addition to her exemplary professional qualifications, Maldonado was the first Latina judge ever to serve on any Illinois federal court and is now the first Latina judge ever appointed to the 7th Circuit. On July 8, the Senate confirmed Maldonado to be a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit by a vote of 47-43 (Senate roll call vote 203). YES IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.