U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee to introduce S. Chad Meredith, nominated by President Trump for a federal judgeship in Kentucky’s Eastern District.
“Mr. Chairman and distinguished Members of the Committee, today it is my distinct privilege to introduce my fellow Kentuckian, Chad Meredith.
“President Trump made an outstanding choice for his nomination to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Earlier this year, I proudly recommended Chad to the White House and as you will see from today’s hearing, he has the intellect, skill, and experience to excel as a federal district court judge.
“One of the Senate’s most important constitutional responsibilities is to offer its advice and consent with respect to executive nominations, and I take very seriously the responsibility to carefully consider every nominee, especially for vacancies in my home state.
“Chad is a bright lawyer with a stellar resume and a distinguished record of public service, but I would like to share with you how I first met him.
“Chad interned with my office in 2003. The internship program provides college students with the opportunity to enhance their education as well as increase their knowledge of issues important to both the Commonwealth and our country. Interns are selected on the basis of strong scholastic and extracurricular achievements as well as an interest in the governmental process, and I’ve been impressed to watch a former McIntern through the decades succeed in the legal field, public service, and now to be nominated to the federal bench.“Chad graduated summa cum laude from Washington and Lee University and summa cum laude from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Following his formal education, he sharpened his legal skills with two judicial clerkships with then-District Judge Amul Thapar on the Eastern District of Kentucky and Judge John Rogers on the Sixth Circuit.
“He served as the first – that’s right, the first – Solicitor General for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As the Solicitor General from 2019 to 2021, Chad oversaw all civil and criminal appellate litigation involving the Commonwealth. He earned a reputation for being fair-minded and professional, and for having a strong work ethic.
“From throughout the country, we have dozens of current and former state solicitors general expressing their strong support for Chad’s nomination, saying, ‘As Kentucky’s first Solicitor General, Chad distinguished himself in diverse areas of federal and state law. Chad also exhibits the temperament necessary to serve as a District Judge…As Chad’s professional peers who have witnessed his work, we are confident that he possesses the qualities to serve with distinction as a District Judge.’
“Additionally, it’s quite notable to hear from hundreds of lawyers calling Chad ‘fair-minded’. These attorneys come from many diverse backgrounds and include civil litigators, prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys. They hold various political views and judicial philosophies and are supporting this nomination saying, ‘we all agree that our legal system needs judges who carefully and honestly evaluate the arguments made by the parties and do what the law requires. We all believe that Chad will excel as a District Judge.’
“Amid Chad’s great professional success in private practice, even his colleagues know his value as an excellent lawyer and a careful thinker will serve our nation well, saying, ‘As much as we don’t want to lose him, our loss would be the public’s gain.’
“This is all very resounding support and where that support runs deepest is with Chad’s family. I’d like to recognize his father, Kentucky State Senator Steve Meredith and his mother Karen. They are both here and I know are very proud of Chad…and so is his wonderful wife Rebekah; we can bet that each of their children Ben Grace Emma Daniel are beaming with pride for their dad.
“Also joining today to support Chad’s commitment to public service is Kentucky State Representative Samara Heavrin as well as many more members of his family friends colleagues.
“Mr. Chairman thank you for opportunity come by put good word am confident that Chad Meredith who has demonstrated devotion rule law Constitution will serve people Kentucky country well on federal bench appreciate committee consideration nomination look forward confirmation.”
