She is the first Hispanic and the third woman to serve at the U.S. Supreme Court.
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor, in a 68-31 vote, as the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court. Nine Republicans joined an unanimous Democratic caucus in supporting her nomination. The 55-year-old Federal Appeals Court judge becomes the 111th person to sit on the high court, and the third woman justice.
President Obama said in a short speech following the news: “…and have great confidence in that she will make an outstanding Supreme Court justice. This is a wonderful day for Judge Sotomayor and for her family. But I also think it is a wonderful day for the country.”
She will be sworn in on Saturday for her life tenure.