confirmation of greg phillips and rise this afternoon to add strong support for the confirmation of gregory alan phillips to serve as a judge on the tenth circuit court of appeals. i believe mr. phillips has all the characteristics necessary to serve as a federal appellate judge. i worked with mr. phillips in the wyoming legislature and can say with confidence that he's recognized throughout wyoming in the legal community as a talented, respected and thoughtful attorney. this vote's also important because the tenth circuit court of appeals has experienced a number of judicial vacancies recently. in february the senate confirmed judge bacharach of oklahoma to the panel. and we now have the opportunity to fill another vacancy so the tenth circuit can continue its work. mr. phillips has served as wyoming's attorney general since 2011. the attorney general is not an elected position in wyoming, and it's important to note that mr. phillips was appointed by governor mead, although they do not share the same party affiliation. this speaks tremendously to mr. phillips' talent and legal reputation. governor mead