‘He’s The Man For The Job’: Trump Nominee Todd Butler Gets Strong Endorsement For US Appeals Court

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the committee. I'm pleased today and have the distinct privilege of helping Senator Hyde-Smith introduce Mississippi's Todd Butler for consideration to serve as a judge on the Fifth Circuit Court, a very consequential posting and a rare opportunity. My colleague and I are both before the committee because we believe he is absolutely the man for the job. Todd Butler is a lifelong Mississippian. He's raised in Scott County. He's a small-town boy, and he's the distinguished son of the distinguished father. His father was a four-term mayor of Morton, Mississippi. But let me tell you about Todd Butler. He was a valedictorian of Morton High School. And in addition to being the top scholar of his class, he was on the winning basketball team and later became its captain. Then he went to Mississippi State University, where his peers elected him president of the student association. But while he was involved in student government, he earned top marks and once again graduated at the top of his class. Summa cum laude at Mississippi State University. Todd Butler then went on to law school at the Mississippi College School of Law. He was editor-in-chief of the Law Review. He got the highest grade in eight of his courses and once again graduated summa cum laude. Now, Todd and his wife, Sarah, live in Brandon. They're raising two boys. They attend church at the Word of Life Church. Todd is a very experienced litigator. It happens that if he is confirmed, he will succeed on the Fifth Circuit the man that he clerked for on the Fifth Circuit. He was a clerk for Judge Southwick, whose position he's been nominated to take. Now, after clerking, Mr. Butler entered private practice. Worked in state and federal litigators. He was with the distinguished law firm of Phelps Dunbar, a multi-state law firm where he was a partner. And he's experienced in this area of the law. He's presented oral arguments on 20 federal appeals, 17 before the Fifth Circuit and one before the United States Supreme Court. He's used his talents to serve not only his clients, but also the next generation of legal minds. He's been a professor at his alma mater, Mississippi College School of Law. And over the course of his career, Mr. Butler has litigated on and written about a wide range of legal matters. He has probed complex constitutional questions, navigated contentious disputes in the courtroom, and... In his writings in numerous law review articles, he's filed multiple amicus briefs in federal courts and contributed to numerous publications. He served by court appointment as an arbitrator. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi recognized Mr. Butler's skill and wisdom when they selected him to chair the Magistrate Selection Committee. He was chosen by the court to help them select other members of the judiciary, and he was recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal with the Leader in Law, quote, Leader in Law, unquote, award. In short, he's well-versed. An array of legal matters. He's the temperament and expertise for such an influential position in the federal judiciary. Let me just reiterate, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Ranking Member and Distinguished Members. Top of his class in the high school. Summa Cum Laude in undergraduate. Summa Cum Laude in law school. He's got eight AmJur awards from law school and graduated. At the top of this class there, in short, I do not think we could have a more experienced and a finer, better read nominee for this very important lifetime position than Todd Butler. And I'm delighted to join my colleague in giving him my most enthusiastic endorsement. Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin, I just appreciate the opportunity to be here at this hearing today, and it is truly a privilege to introduce G. Todd Butler of Brandon, Mississippi and his family to the committee. He's an excellent choice to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and I offer my full support for his confirmation. President Trump nominated Todd to the federal bench based on his extensive experience as a federal and state litigator who believes in interpreting the law as it is written, pursuant to the text and original meaning of the Constitution. A native of Scott County and graduate of Mississippi State University and the Mississippi College School of Law, Todd Butler has earned the respect within the legal field for his expertise and experience on appellate Constitutional and Employment Law. He has a deep understanding of the appellate process, having served as counsel in more than 300 cases, and has extensive experience presenting oral arguments before appellate courts nationwide. He has also presented oral argument in front of the United States Supreme Court. His confirmation would bring an important perspective to the Federal judiciary. His legal career includes a focus on litigation and strategic counseling related to labor and employment issues. He has a significant understanding of municipal liability and workers' compensation issues based on a long record of serving as general counsel for an extensive list of public and private entities, including the Mississippi Municipal Service Company, The Mississippi Municipal Liability Plan and the Mississippi Municipal Workers' Compensation Group. Todd also brings experience as a successful arbitrator and adjunct law professor, as well as membership in a variety of legal associations. In closing, I have full confidence in Todd Butler's qualifications, character, and commitment to justice. I look forward to working with this committee and with Leader Thune to ensure swift confirmation of G. Todd Butler to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court, where he will be a strong asset to the court and to our federal judiciary more broadly. Thank you. The world moves fast. Power shifts. Unexpected developments, changing alliances, every day brings a new headline, but headlines are only the beginning because behind every story there is context, there are consequences and there are questions worth asking. Find the answers, understand the story, take on the world. This is Hemkart Saroja for First Post Vantage.