WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following video and statement today after her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of Robert Rossiter Jr. of Omaha, for his nomination to the Federal District Court for Nebraska:

Click here for high-definition photos of today’s hearing. Click on the image above to view
Senator Fischer’s testimony on behalf of Bob Rossiter during this morning’s
nomination hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Following today’s confirmation hearing, the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on his nomination. Once approved by the committee, his nomination will head to the Senate floor for a final vote, which is expected by the end of this year.

Senator Fischer and former Senator Mike Johanns first recommended Rossiter for this position in August of 2014. After the announcement that Judge Joseph Bataillon planned to retire from regular active service, Fischer and Johanns began a statewide search, accepting applications for more than four months before announcing their selection of Mr. Rossiter to fill the vacancy. Traditionally, when submitting judicial nominations, the president gives deference to home-state senators during the selection process.

Rossiter is currently a partner at Fraser Stryker and president-elect of the Nebraska State Bar Association. He graduated cum laude from Creighton University School of Law in 1981, where he served as the editor of the Creighton Law Review. After receiving his law degree, Rossiter clerked for U.S. District Court Judge C. Arlen Beam.

Below is the full transcript of Senator Fischer’s remarks on behalf of Bob Rossiter this morning:

Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, it is an honor to be here today to speak in support of Bob Rossiter, who has been nominated by President Obama to fill the vacancy on Nebraska’s federal district court.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska has a tradition of fairness and justice.

This court owes its reputation to the well-respected judges who have served on it.

With only three judgeships, Nebraska’s federal district bench is relatively small.

For this reason, judges serving in this court have always understood the important role that respect plays in responsible adjudication.

Nebraska’s federal bench is an example of efficiency and integrity.  It also has one of the busiest dockets.

During the 12-month period preceding September 2014, Nebraska had the most per-judgeship weighted filings among the eight states that have only three authorized judgeships and a single federal district.

With a small bench and a full docket, it is important that this federal district court is operating at full capacity.

Despite this fact, however, the judgeship that Bob has been nominated for has been vacant for more than a year.

Because this court must be provided with the necessary resources to work efficiently, I was pleased to work with Senator Mike Johanns to select a highly qualified candidate for this important position.

Through an open process, we considered many applicants with excellent credentials.

Approximately 20 individuals asked to be considered for this position and we had each person fill out the Judiciary Committee’s lengthy questionnaire.  The questionnaires and the binders of supplementary materials were then carefully reviewed.  Having reviewed the qualifications and materials of these applicants, I can tell you that Nebraska has no shortage of principled and sharp legal minds.

Narrowing the list was challenging.  Senator Johanns and I consulted and we decided to interview a half a dozen finalists. 

Then, after weeks of thorough consideration, we agreed to recommend Bob Rossiter to President Obama for this judgeship.

As I am sure Senator Johanns would agree, even among many fine candidates, Bob’s accomplishments stand out.

Bob has an impressive list of professional accomplishments.  After graduating cum laude from law school, Bob clerked for U.S. District Court Judge C. Arlen Beam.

Currently, Bob is a partner at Fraser Stryker in Nebraska.

Whether it be working on federal and state employment litigation or administrative agency investigations, Bob has always demonstrated an admirable commitment to integrity and the rule of law.

Over the years, he has gained the respect of his clients by handling a variety of important issues with excellence. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and in Chambers USA, America's Leading Business Lawyers.

Perhaps the strongest testament to Bob’s aptitude and integrity, as well as the admiration of his colleagues, is the fact that he has been selected to serve as president of the Nebraska Bar Association.

This honor, which is not bestowed lightly, is a reflection of the trust placed in Bob by those who know and work with him.

For these reasons, I am confident that we have found a truly remarkable and qualified person to fill the vacancy on Nebraska’s federal district court

I urge my colleagues to support Bob Rossiter’s nomination quickly so that he can put his outstanding intellect, skill, and judgement to work for the American people.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.