On September 10, the U.S. Senate confirmed Jeanette Vargas as United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. Vargas is the latest example of an accomplished public servant of Puerto Rican heritage.
Vargas attended both Harvard and Yale before going into private legal practice. She then clerked for Sonia Sotomayor, who was at that time a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Next, Vargas joined the U.S. Attorneys Office. She served in the Tax and Bankruptcy Unit and was an assistant U.S. Attorney and senior trial lawyer, finishing as Deputy Chief on the Civil side.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) made a positive statement supporting the nomination. “I am honored and grateful that the Senate has voted to confirm Jeannette Vargas to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Ms. Vargas has more than two decades of service as a federal prosecutor. In addition to her expertise in complex civil litigation, she has also worked diligently to protect and strengthen the civil rights of the LGBTQ community. Now, as a federal judge, Ms. Vargas will use her sharp legal mind and extensive experience to uphold the highest principles of justice and fairness for all Americans.”
Some of the cases Vargas conducted included defending the United States government against FOIA claims regarding the CIA, representing the U.S. government against Chrysler in a case relating to the auto industry bailout, and quashing suits relating to student debt forgiveness.
Senate vote
Jeanette Vargas was nominated in March, 2024. The Senate confirmed the nomination 51-43 in a straightforward vote without debate or controversy.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) described her as “a terrific judicial nominee and a terrific New Yorker” in remarks to the Senate. “She is truly a New Yorker to her core, being a native of the great borough of Queens and of both Puerto Rican and Irish background. With Ms. Vargas, the Senate continues to add to the list of excellent, qualified, diverse nominees to the federal bench.”
