Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Craig Thomas and Mike Enzi are pleased to announce that Terrence O'Brien was approved today by the United States Senate to become the next Judge on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

O'Brien was confirmed in a vote by the U.S. Senate Monday evening. He passed by a 98-0 margin and will join the bench after Presidential notification and a swearing-in ceremony that will take place shortly.

"I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for recognizing the need that exists at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit," Thomas said. "We owe Judge Wade Brorby a great deal for his continued service on the bench and now look forward to the addition of Judge Terrence O'Brien to carry on the distinguished history of Wyoming jurists on the Tenth Circuit."

"Terry and I have known each other for more than 22 years. When I was Mayor of Gillette, I observed what the local district judge, just down the street from my business, was doing in the community. What I saw is that Terry ran his court effectively, professionally, and efficiently," said Enzi. "Terry and I watched each other's children grow up. I can give you my personal assurance that our country will benefit from his many talents. I am confident he will be a stellar judge for the Tenth Circuit Court."

Thomas formed a selection committee in March of 2001 to help determine potential candidates to replace Wyoming's seat on the Tenth Circuit that opened when Judge Wade Brorby moved to senior judge status.

O'Brien was formally nominated to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals by President Bush on August 2, 2001.

The Tenth Circuit is comprised of six states: Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Terrence O'Brien is from Gillette, Wyoming. He is a graduate of the University of Wyoming School of Law, and for 20 years served as a District Judge for the Sixth Judicial District Court of Wyoming.