mr. kayatta's legal abilities. finally, mr. kayatta has earned the american bar association's highest rating, unanimously well qualified, reflecting the a.b.a.'s assessment of his credentials, experience and temperament. mr. president, mr. kayatta's impressive background makes him imminently qualified for a seat on the first circuit. his 30-plus years of real-world litigation experience would bring a valuable perspective to the court. the first circuit, mr. president, has only six authorized judgeships, the fewest of any circuit, so it acutely feels any -- fills any vacancy that arises. the first circuit has not been at full strength since january january 1, 2012, when judge kermit lapez took active senior status. now the circuit's caseload must be distributed among just five judges who continue to do their best to provide the timely and measured justice for which the first circuit has long been known. mr. president, the state of maine is very proud of its history of providing superb jurists to the federal bench. i am confident