Call or write Sens. Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell and let them know that Judge Edward M. Chen has waited long enough for confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. 

The one-year anniversary of Judge Chen’s nomination is Aug. 6. He has waited longer for a Senate vote than any other nominee; yet, with the August recess fast approaching, his wait might not be over if the Senate refuses to take up his confirmation before adjourning.

Tell Senators Reid and McConnell that Judge Edward Chen has waited too long and that the Senate must bring his confirmation to the Senate floor as soon as possible!

Please join us in supporting this historic nomination; tell your friends to call too. 

Call or Write Senators Reid and McConnell Today!

• Call (202) 224-3121. Ask the operator to connect you directly to the office of Senator Reid or McConnell.  
• When your call is answered, introduce yourself and say:
  • Judge Edward Chen has waited almost a year for a vote by the full Senate. 
  • Judge Chen should be confirmed before the August recess.
• Remember to call both offices.
• You can also send a message to Senators Reid and McConnell.

Why Should We Support Judge Chen?

Magistrate Judge Edward M. Chen has a reputation as a balanced, fair and unbiased jurist based on his nine-year record. He enjoys broad support from the judiciary, the litigation bar and legal community and law enforcement.  Judge Chen was unanimously rated “well qualified” by the American Bar Association — the highest possible.

Judge Chen’s confirmation would be a monumental step in building a foundation for Asian Pacific Americans to serve as federal judges at all levels. He would be the first Asian Pacific American Article III judge in San Francisco’s history.

• This is especially significant given that some of the most infamous cases affecting Asian Pacific Americans— including United States v. Korematsu, Yick Wo v. Hopkins, and Lau v. Nichols — were first decided by the federal district court in San Francisco.
• The absence of an Asian Pacific American Article III judge in San Francisco is particularly shocking given that approximately 35 percent of its population is Asian Pacific American.
• There are only 11 active Asian Pacific American Article III judges.
• If the number of Asian Pacific American federal judges reflected the general population, there would be 40‐45 Asian Pacific Americans serving as federal judges.

Asian Pacific Americans are significantly underrepresented in the judiciary.  Your senators’ votes to confirm Judge Chen would ensure greater Asian Pacific American representation in the federal judiciary.