Washington, DC - Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator from Colorado, joined fellow Senator Mark Udall in introducing William Martinez before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Martinez was testifying before the committee as the President's nominee for the judicial vacancy in the U.S. District Court for Colorado.

Bennet submitted the following statement on Martinez for the committee's record:

"Thank you Chairman Leahy and Ranking Member Sessions for holding this nomination hearing for Bill Martinez to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. I would also like to welcome Bill and his family and wish them the best of luck through this confirmation process.

"Having recommended his candidacy to the President, I strongly support Bill's nomination and urge his quick confirmation. His work spans the scope of the legal profession, which will make him an asset to the United States District Court.

"Bill embodies the American dream and is an immigrant success story. He was born in Mexico and immigrated with his family to the United States at a young age. He was the first in his family to attend college and law school. His rise through the legal profession is a great example to law students in my state.

"Bill's legal career spans the public and private sector, where he has distinguished himself as a leading expert in employment and labor law. He has experience representing employers and employees. Bill also represents clients before arbitrators and administrative agencies and is certified as an AAA arbitrator in employment disputes. This background will serve him well on the Bench.

"He began his career representing indigent and working class clients. During the 1990's, he served as an Adjunct Law Professor at the University of Denver Law School. Bill has also been active with the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association as a member of the organization's Board of Directors and Chair of the CHBA's Ethics Committee. He has also served as a mentor to minority law students in Denver. He was recognized as a Colorado Super Lawyer in the field of Employment & Labor Law.

"I am proud to come before this Committee and highlight the experience and accomplishments of this superbly qualified nominee. Bill Martinez will be an asset to the federal bench. I would like to again thank the Committee for holding this hearing today and look forward to supporting Bill Martinez's nomination when it reaches the floor. Thank you."

Bennet and Udall also joined together in a statement applauding Martinez's selection in February.