Thune, Rounds Congratulate South Dakota Federal District Judges on Senate Confirmation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor to congratulate Eric Schulte and Judge Camela Theeler, nominees to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, on their confirmation votes in the Senate. Thune and Rounds previously introduced the nominees during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on their nominations.

Thune on Judge Camela Theeler's confirmation (as prepared for delivery):

"Mr. President, I rise today in support of the nomination of a distinguished South Dakotan - Judge Camela Theeler - who has been nominated to fill a vacancy at the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota.

"Judge Theeler is a South Dakota native and a graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law.

"She has been a judge for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit since 2018.

"Prior to her current role, she served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Dakota from 2012 to 2018, and before that she spent time at two South Dakota law firms.

"When she is not trying cases, she often welcomes students to the courthouse, where she gives tours and conducts mock trials to help teach them about the legal system.

"Mr. President, I believe Judge Theeler's experience and record will make her an excellent district judge.

"And, most importantly, I believe that she has the character and impartiality to serve a lifetime appointment on the federal bench.

"I am proud to support her nomination, and I encourage my colleagues to confirm her as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota.

"Mr. President, I yield the floor."

Thune on Eric Schulte's confirmation (as prepared for delivery):

"Mr. President, I rise today in support of the nomination of an outstanding South Dakotan, Eric Schulte, who has been nominated to fill a vacancy at the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota.

"Eric Schulte is a lifetime resident of South Dakota who received his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1999.

"From 1999 to 2000, he served as a law clerk to the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit in Sioux Falls.

"And he has been a partner at the Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith law firm since 2005.

"He was also president of the South Dakota State Bar Association from 2015 to 2016.

"And in his spare time he is a member of the Academy of American Poets and a frequent contributor to Pasque Petals, the South Dakota State Poetry Society magazine.

"Mr. President, Mr. Schulte has the experience and knowledge to be a district judge.

"And, crucially, I believe that he has the character and impartiality for a lifetime appointment on the federal bench.

"I strongly support his nomination, and I encourage my colleagues to confirm him as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota.

"Mr. President, I yield the floor."

Rounds' remarks below (as prepared for delivery):

"Mr. President,

"I am pleased to join Senator Thune today in supporting the confirmation of Judge Cammy Theeler.

"Ms. Theeler is a native of my home community, Pierre, South Dakota, and has an impressive list of career experiences spanning from the U.S. Attorney's Office to teaching at Dakota Wesleyan University to her work now as a state circuit court judge.

"It is because of her commitment to upholding the law, along with her commitment to public service, that she received the South Dakota Young Lawyer of the Year Award in 2009.

"She will undoubtedly exercise judicial restraint and apply the law as written.

"I also want to congratulate Eric Schulte on his Senate confirmation yesterday for the U.S. District of South Dakota.

"He is a well-qualified attorney who will serve Americans well as a district judge.

"I encourage my colleagues to join today in supporting Judge Cammy Theeler for U.S. District Judge for the District of South Dakota.

"Thank you, Mr. President."

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