Today, Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to fill the U.S. Supreme Court seat left vacant after Justice Anthony Kennedy retired this summer. Prior to his confirmation as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge Kavanaugh served for twelve years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) supported Judge Kavanaugh during the confirmation process and congratulates him on his confirmation to the Supreme Court.

RNLA leaders extended their congratulations, praised Judge Kavanaugh, and expressed their gratitude for the leadership of Senate Republicans during a contentious confirmation process.

RNLA Co-Chair Joanne Young stated: "Senator Susan Collins demonstrated yesterday that strong, independent-thinking women have reached their own conclusions about Judge Kavanaugh. He will be a fine Justice on the Supreme Court – committed to the bedrock principles of due process and the rule of law, continuing to carefully apply the law to the facts presented, with reverence to the Constitution and consideration for the parties involved. It bears emphasis that Justice Kavanaugh will continue to advance the careers of women lawyers, just as he has on the D.C. Circuit. Beginning with his first class of all women Supreme Court clerks, his confirmation means that progress will continue for women, to the benefit of the entire country."

RNLA Chair John Ryder further stated: "First, Congratulations to Leader McConnell and Chairman Grassley. They have been towers of strength amid the hysteria and histrionics of the opposition. As a result of their courage, Judge Kavanaugh will now take his proper place on the Supreme Court where he will serve with the same temperament and ability he has shown on the D.C. Court of Appeals."

RNLA President Elliot Berke said: "I first met Brett Kavanaugh almost 20 years ago, well before he as first appointed to the bench. We both served in the Office of the Independent Counsel and while we didn't overlap it was known even then he was likely bound for the Supreme Court. I've known him to be a critical thinker, a fair jurist, and a good man. I am confident he will be, as he has said, an independent and impartial justice and congratulate him and his family on his confirmation."

RNLA Executive Director Michael Thielen added: "A good man and great Judge was subject to at best uncorroborated and at worst patently unbelievable personal attacks as part of Schumer's effort to oppose him 'with everything I've got.' Democrats should be ashamed and current polling shows voters will remember in November."

RNLA Vice President for Communications Harmeet Dhillon agreed: "Congratulations to President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Grassley, as well as Judge Kavanaugh and his family, on today's overdue confirmation. We also thank the Senators who voted to confirm this eminently qualified jurist in the face of violent threats, nonstop harassment, and degradation of our most fundamental norms of justice. We look forward to a renewal and strengthening of constitutional jurisprudence with Justice Kavanaugh on the bench."

The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of cases and controversies in the United States. It is vital that Supreme Court justices be excellent lawyers with immense respect for the rule of law, with a deep understanding of the separation of powers and federalism, and with reverence for the Constitution. Brett Kavanaugh has these qualities in abundance and will serve the American people well.