Washington, DC - Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-6 in favor of approving the nomination of John J. "Jack" McConnell to the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island.

Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, who recommended McConnell's nomination to President Obama, praised the advancement of McConnell's nomination to the federal bench.

"We are pleased that a bipartisan majority of senators voted to move Jack McConnell's nomination forward. He possesses the experience, intellect, and temperament to be a great judge on the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island," said Reed and Whitehouse. "When he is confirmed, Mr. McConnell will replace Judge Torres, who retired over a year ago, and will provide much needed help in taking on a heavy case load of important matters before the District Court in Rhode Island."

Judge Ernest C. Torres departure back in March of 2009 left just two federal judges on the bench in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island: Chief U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi and District Judge William E. Smith, along with active U.S. Magistrate Judges Lincoln D. Almond and David L. Martin.

Whitehouse, a member of the Judiciary Committee, joined Committee members in supporting the nomination. Mr. McConnell's nomination will now be sent to the full Senate for final confirmation.

Jack McConnell was born in Providence and received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Mr. McConnell is a prominent attorney and outstanding member of the community who is well known for his pro bono work and for successfully leading the historic tobacco settlement case which helped aid public health and prevent more young people from smoking.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island is the state's federal trial court that has jurisdiction to hear nearly all categories of federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters.