MEET JUDGE PAMELA CHEN: The U.S. Senate on Monday evening made history when it confirmed the first openly gay Asian-American for a seat on the federal bench.

Judge Pamela Chen was confirmed to the bench on Monday by a voice vote in the Senate. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

By a voice vote, the Senate confirmed Pamela Ki Mai Chen, a lesbian, for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. President Obama first nominated her a judgeship in August and renamed her along with others at the start of the 113th Congress.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, who recommended the nomination to Obama, praised the Senate for confirming Chen in a statement and said her background will serve her well on the federal bench.

“Ms. Chen’s wealth of experience and devotion to public service make it clear that she will be an excellent judge,” Schumer said. “Ms. Chen has proven time and again that she is a leader and a pioneer in the legal field. I have every confidence that she will serve her jurisdiction well.”

Shin Inouye, a White House spokesperson, echoed that sentiment over the confirmation of Obama’s judicial nominee.

“The President welcomes the confirmation of Pamela Ki Mai Chen,” Inouye said. “She will serve the American people well from the Eastern District of New York bench.”  there is more: 

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/03/04/senate-confirms-first-openly-gay-asian-american-to-federal-bench/