Washington - New Jersey Senators Robert Menendez and Frank R. Lautenberg announced that Judge Michael Shipp's nomination to be a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of New Jersey was approved this evening in the U.S. Senate by a 91 - 1 vote in favor of his confirmation.

"New Jersey's District Court can now count on another eminently qualified District Judge, Judge Michael Shipp," said Senator Menendez who recommended Shipp to President Obama in 2011. "Judge Shipp is an excellent magistrate judge with decades of experience in the public and private sector who has demonstrated knowledge and fairness in the courtroom. I am pleased to announce his nomination was approved with full bipartisan support tonight; we are all looking forward to his contributions in New Jersey's courts in his new capacity as District Judge for the District of New Jersey."

"I am confident that JudgeMichaelShipp will serve the U.S. District Court of New Jersey with honor and distinction," said Senator Lautenberg. "Judge Shipp has served New Jersey extraordinarily well as a magistrate judge and distinguished attorney, and his broad experiences have prepared him well to fill this crucial vacancy.I will continue to encourage my Senate colleagues to fill other judicial vacancies creating backlogs in courts across the country."

Michael Shipp is a native of Paterson currently serving as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District Court for the District of New Jersey. His experience includes service in the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, including serving as the top advisor to two New Jersey Attorneys General. Judge Shipp also has experience in private practice, and served as a law clerk to former New Jersey Supreme Court Justice James H. Coleman. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and Seton Hall Law School. Senators Menendez and Lautenberg recommended Judge Michael Shipp to President Obama to serve as District Judge for the District of New Jersey in 2011.

Last week, the U.S. Senate also approved Kevin McNulty to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of New Jersey. In addition,Magistrate Judge Patty Schwartz of New Jersey has been approved by the Judiciary Committee for a judgeship on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Her nomination has stalled in the Senate afterRepublicans announced their plan to blockallvotes onnomineestoU.S.Circuit Courtsuntil after the election.

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