Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana has strongly urged the Senate to oppose President Biden's nominee for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Adeel Mangi. Kennedy highlighted concerns about Mangi's past affiliations and actions, stating that his ties to extremist groups make him unsuitable for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench.

Kennedy expressed his reservations about President Biden's judicial nominations, stating, "I [think] any fair-minded person would have to conclude that, over the past several years, President Biden has nominated some people to the federal bench who, quite frankly, are not qualified to judge a pie contest." He specifically criticized the nomination of Adeel Mangi, calling it "one of his worst."

During his speech on the Senate floor, Kennedy pointed out Mangi's affiliations with organizations such as the Alliance of Families for Justice and the Center for Security, Race and Rights. He raised concerns about the Alliance's advocacy for individuals who have killed law enforcement officers and the Center's promotion of events that blame America for the 9/11 attacks.

Kennedy also questioned Mangi's involvement with radical figures, stating, "One of those speakers [was] Mr. Sami Al Arian. Mr. Al Arian was convicted of providing support to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad." Additionally, Kennedy criticized Mangi's lack of transparency regarding his financial contributions to the Center for Security, Race and Rights.

Furthermore, Kennedy addressed accusations of Islamophobia in questioning Mangi's associations, clarifying, "I believe that Mr. Mangi is not qualified to be a federal judge because he supports organizations that celebrate people who kill law enforcement officers. He supports organizations that hate Americans, and he supports organizations that hate Jews."

In contrast to his opposition to Mangi, Kennedy highlighted his support for qualified nominees, citing his previous vote to confirm Judge Zahid Quraishi. Kennedy emphasized the importance of nominees' qualifications and suitability for the federal bench, emphasizing that his concerns about Mangi are based on factual evidence rather than prejudice.

Senator Kennedy's remarks come amidst a contentious debate over Adeel Mangi's confirmation, with law enforcement organizations and senators raising objections to his nomination. The Senate will continue to deliberate on Mangi's confirmation to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals as the debate over his suitability for the position intensifies.