WASHINGTON - July 28 - The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted 13-6 to send the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the full Senate. The vote sets the stage for Judge Sotomayor to be confirmed before the Senate's August recess. People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker issued the following statement:

"Today's vote moves this historic nominee one step closer to the Supreme Court. During her hearing, Judge Sotomayor demonstrated over and over again her intelligence, her open-mindedness, and her deep respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. I'm glad that already a significant number of Republicans have spoken out in favor of Judge Sotomayor and that she received bipartisan support today. It's unfortunate that not everyone has been able to put aside political concerns, but that does nothing to undermine the importance of confirming the first Hispanic and third woman to our nation's highest Court.

"We are proud to have been able to support the nomination of such an excellent candidate for the high court, and we look forward to a prompt confirmation by the full Senate."