The Honorable Dick Durbin, Chair
The Honorable Lindsey Graham, Ranking Member
Senate Committee on the Judiciary
224 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Chairman Durbin and Ranking Member Graham:
The AFL-CIO writes to offer strong support for the nomination of Magistrate Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai for the vacancy on the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.
Magistrate Judge Kasubhai is highly qualified for the position with a commitment to serve the public interest. While in private practice, he chose to represent working people in workers’ compensation and injury cases and a local labor union in rural Oregon on several occasions. For the last twenty years, he has been in public service, first as the labor member of the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board, later as a state court judge, and most recently as a
Federal Magistrate Judge sitting in Eugene, Oregon. His experience as a Federal Magistrate judge, in particular, means he will be able to step into the role of Federal District Court Judge on day one.
Judge Kasubhai will bring diversity to the bench in several ways. The son of South Asian immigrants, he will be the first South Asian and the first Muslim Article III judge in Oregon. Judge Kasubhai has written and spoken extensively on issues of equity, diversity and inclusion, demonstrating a commitment to fair and impartial justice for all in the federal courts. In speaking with union lawyers who have appeared before him on multiple matters, we have heard only positive reviews about his judicial demeanor, intellect and fair approach to the matters before him.
We strongly urge you to move Magistrate Judge Mustafa Kasubhai forward for this vacancy.
Thank you for your consideration of our views.
Sincerely,
William Samuel
Director, Government Affairs