President Barack Obama is calling Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee a "bipartisan affirmation of her strong performance" in confirmation hearings.
In a written statement, Obama said Kagan is one of the country's leading legal minds and that she would be a fair and impartial justice if ultimately confirmed by the full Senate. Obama says the solicitor general understands how the high court's decisions affect everyday people's lives.
The committee voted 13-6 in favor of Kagan. Only one Republican, South Carolina's Lindsey Graham, supported her.
Obama said he looked forward to the full Senate voting on her nomination before Congress goes on its summer recess.
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