U.S. Chamber Thanks Justice Souter for Supreme Court Service

Next candidate should have keen understanding of legal issues affecting American businesses

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement in response to the news that U.S. Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter will retire from the Court:

"David H. Souter has served his nation with great devotion and intelligence. The U.S. Chamber joins the chorus of Americans who wish Justice Souter well in his future endeavors.

"Justice Souter's judicial temperament was always on display at the Supreme Court, where he was well-known for his insightful questioning during oral arguments, and for his studied approach to the law.

"We will remember Justice Souter as an influential voice on the Supreme Court, for taking a balanced and thoughtful approach to the unpredictability of punitive damages, for recognizing the burdens of legal discovery on businesses, and for affirming the primacy of the federal government in foreign affairs.

"We encourage the White House to consider Supreme Court candidates with a keen understanding of the legal and regulatory issues that affect American businesses."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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