>> well, bill fitzpatrick has over 75 homicide prosecutions himself.rosecutor for over 24 years, and i've been a prosecutor for over two. >> reporter: almost immediately, a courtroom bombshell. ten jurors had been quickly selected, all white, when nick and his defense team made a shocking announcement. they were opting for a bench trial, letting judge felix catena decide nick's future. "new york times" reporter jesse mckinley. >> i think their calculation was, "we're better off going with a legal mind, someone that knows the law." >> reporter: so they're arguing it to the judge? he will be the judge and the jury in this? >> absolutely. >> good morning, everyone. please be seated. mr. fitzpatrick, your opening statement. >> thank you very much, your honor. >> reporter: bill fitzpatrick laid out the state's case, painting a portrait of nick hillary as a scorned lover and a liar. he said nick's own words from his video deposition given under oath would nail him. >> the only reason he has to lie is because he was killing garrett. >> reporter: but longtime

fitzpatrick and urge all of us to come together and get this bill passed today as quickly as possible. and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman from nevada resevers. the gentleman from kansas. mr. watkins: we continue to reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentlewoman from nevada. ms. lee: i yield five minutes to the the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. lamb, who is the sponsor of this bill. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized for five minutes. mr. lamb: thank you to my colleague from nevada. thank you to my colleague from kansas for his excellent support and work on this bill as well. you know, people often ask me when i go home to western pennsylvania whether we knock off the fighting down here and do some actual work and work across the aisle in between congress and the white house to get things done. what you are seeing in this chamber today is an example of the fact there are many of us that are serious making it happen and making it happen more often as we go forward. the freed