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Floor Speech

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Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I rise today to add my voice to that of my colleague's, Senator Shaheen, in supporting the confirmation of Seth Aframe of Hopkinton, NH, to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. As you have heard from Senator Shaheen, Mr. Aframe would be a valuable addition to the First Circuit bench.

Granite Staters know Mr. Aframe as someone who brings thoughtful judgment and a commitment to fairness to whatever work he is undertaking. He has demonstrated this unwavering commitment to fairness, to justice time and again in his work at the U.S. Attorney's Office, including when he argued cases before the First Circuit.

He exemplified those same values in his work on the LASER Docket, which is a drug court that helps people struggling with addiction to get the treatment that they need--an issue that is particularly important to the people of New Hampshire who have been hit hard by the fentanyl crisis.

His excellence on the job goes hand in hand with the commitment to his community. Even in the midst of his demanding legal career, he continues to find time to give back to his community. He has served both as a member of his local school board and as president of his synagogue, Temple Beth Jacob. Mr. Aframe has also been dedicated to raising up our next generation of advocates and judges. He taught at the University of New Hampshire's law school for 15 years, where he has regularly given his time to serve as a judge at student mock trials.

Mr. Aframe's commitment to the law as well as to his community extends far beyond the confines of his office or work schedule and reflects the values of someone who understands that the commitment to equal justice so essential to our democracy must be highlighted and revered at every level and in every corner of our society.

Throughout the nomination process, members of New Hampshire's legal community have also voiced their strong support for Mr. Aframe's confirmation. Four previous U.S. Attorneys for the District of New Hampshire--appointed by Presidents from both parties--wrote a letter, stating:

Each of us regards Mr. Aframe as a distinguished and persuasive appellate advocate who has successfully represented the government and earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence.

It is not only Mr. Aframe's fellow prosecutors who have confidence in his abilities; New Hampshire defense attorneys, including public defenders, also trust and support Mr. Aframe.

Charles J. Keefe, in a letter on behalf of New Hampshire defense attorneys, wrote:

In what is often a difficult role as a prosecutor, he epitomizes open-mindedness, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias, and commitment to equal justice under the law.

Mr. Aframe also has the backing of many New Hampshire law enforcement officers, including one letter that highlighted:

We have observed, firsthand, Seth's professionalism and unmatched abilities as a Federal prosecutor. His honesty, straightforward demeanor, and overall compassion for people have distinguished him in that role.

I will add that at Friday's New Hampshire Police Memorial Day ceremony, there was more than one member of law enforcement who approached me and said that Seth Aframe is the right person for this job.

It speaks to Mr. Aframe's capabilities and character that he has received such enthusiastic support from both sides of the courtroom-- from the legal community and law enforcement alike.

Mr. Aframe receives such widespread support because people from across our legal system see in him someone who is skilled and thoughtful in equal measure; who is always looking for more ways to serve his community and his country; who serves in every role without fear or favor; who needs to be confirmed so that he can continue his lifetime of service--next on the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

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