WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson released the following statement regarding today's Senate confirmation of Judge Tanya Walton Pratt to serve on the federal bench for the U.S. District Court based in Indianapolis:

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"The Senate made history today by confirming Judge Pratt as Indiana's first African-American federal judge. Judge Pratt is a widely respected jurist who has served the people of Marion County with distinction. Her confirmation is an important step toward a more diverse federal judiciary, and she is going to be an exceptional addition to the court. She is one of the finest, most dedicated and fair-minded leaders I know, and we're fortunate to have someone of her caliber serving in the federal district court in Indianapolis.

"Judge Pratt's addition to the federal bench will not only benefit our courts-it will serve as inspiration to so many young African-Americans and other minorities who have their sights set on serving in our nation's justice system."

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