Press Release: Norton, CBC Oppose Menashi’s Nomination to Second Circuit

News Release — DC Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton

October 22, 2019

Contact: Jack Miller

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Karen Bass (D-CA) today released a letter sent to Senate leadership in strong opposition to Steven Menashi’s nomination to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.  Norton is the chair of the CBC Judicial Nominations Task Force.  In the letter, the CBC wrote of its concerns that, like many Trump judicial nominees, Menashi has devoted much of his career to attacking minorities, women and members of the LGBTQ community.  Menashi, opposed by both of his home-state senators, has written specifically against the importance of diversity and inclusiveness.  The letter was signed by Bass and Norton, as well as all the members of the CBC representing districts covered by the Second Circuit – Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), and Antonio Delgado (D-NY).

“The Congressional Black Caucus is committed to supporting judicial nominees who believe in “Equal Justice Under Law” for all Americans. Unfortunately, Mr. Steven Menashi’s legal writings show a willingness to discriminate against minorities, women, and the LGBTQ community,” Bass said.  “This is a lifetime appointment and anyone who expresses discriminatory views against minorities does not deserve the privilege to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.”

“Steven Menashi represents the most recent in a long list of unacceptable nominees to lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary,” Norton said.  “Menashi’s refusal to answer many questions at his confirmation hearing, for which even Republicans chided him, and opposition by both of his home state U.S. senators should be reason enough not to confirm him to the Second Circuit.  Menashi has devoted his writing and his career to attempting to dismantle vital protections for women, minorities and members of the LGBTQ community, which should disqualify him from a lifetime appointment to the federal bench.”

Read the full CBC letter here.

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