Sen. Tim Scott introduces Sheria Clarke at nomination hearing
Click here or on the thumbnail above to watch the full introduction.
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) delivered an introduction for Sheria Clarke during her nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
Full transcript of Sen. Scott’s remarks, as delivered:
“I am proud to introduce and strongly support the nomination of Sheria Clarke to serve as United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina.
“Her background is not typical for judicial candidates. She was homeschooled, and as I think of it, that’s a great way to be valedictorian. And she attended Liberty University, majoring in psychology and graduating with honors.
“She worked her way through law school at the University of North Carolina and clerked for judges before finding her way to Washington. Sheria has built a distinguished legal career rooted in service both in the courtroom and in her community. She has held several roles with increasing responsibility from her time at the Ethics Committee to eventually leading one of the most high-profile and consequential committees in Congress as a Staff Director for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
“Her experience also includes serving as an assistant United States attorney in the District of South Carolina, where she worked as a federal prosecutor focused on upholding the rule of law. Today, she continues her legal career as a partner at Nelson Mullins in Greenville, South Carolina.
“Her commitment to serve extends into the community where she serves on the board of directors of Jasmine Road, supporting women recovering from trafficking, addiction, and exploitation. She also serves as chair of the Miriam Foundation and has supported organizations like the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Foundation.
“These roles are clear evidence of her deep and consistent commitment to strengthening communities across South Carolina.
“Sheria’s faith is central to who she is and is reflected in her approach to justice, her respect for others, and her commitment to fairness. She understands that the law requires not just intellect, but sound judgment, restraint, and a deep awareness of how decisions impact people’s lives and she brings those qualities to the bench.
“Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sheria is a devoted wife and mother, balancing family life with an exceptional career in public service.
“I met Sheria Clarke nearly 15 years ago through a mutual friend, Trey Gowdy, who was a Congress[man] in the House at the time and she is one of the most outstanding people of character I have ever met. She brings a rare combination of humility and conviction to her work with a clear understanding of the responsibility that and trust required by a federal judge.
“In the decade plus since we’ve met, I have never heard her utter a single negative word about anyone at all. Not even about my bad singing voice. The one time a bunch of us called and tried to sing Happy Birthday to her.
“She has a quick mind. She picks up complex concepts with remarkable speed and ease. She is modest and never seeks attention or accolades. To the contrary, she deflects them in a genuine way. I cannot say she is slow to anger because in more than a decade, I have never seen her angry. And trust me, in this town and with the friends that I have, she’s had plenty of opportunities to show it.
“What I can say is that she was a frequent dinner guest when she was in Washington, joining an often-bipartisan table of friends, and she earned the respect and affection of everyone there. The Ranking Member of the committee she worked on had as much respect for her as a chairman who employed her.
“I am very proud to support her nomination without hesitation and am confident she will be an outstanding addition to the judiciary. And most importantly, I am proud to call her my friend. If more people were like Sheria Clarke, the world would be a better place.”
###