Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-14

RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE CLEO E. POWELL AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA

Taxes

Context

On 2026-04-14, Representative Jennifer L. McClellan (D-VA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE CLEO E. POWELL AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA" in the House. The speech addressed taxes.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE CLEO E. POWELL AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E320-E321] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE CLEO E. POWELL AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA ______ HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN of virginia in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a historic milestone for the Commonwealth of Virginia and to honor the extraordinary career of Justice Cleo E. Powell, who was unanimously selected to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia by her peers. Chief Justice Powell is the first African American to serve as Chief Justice in the history of the Commonwealth. Justice Powell's appointment represents both a historic achievement and the continuation of a career defined by excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Throughout her distinguished career, she has [[Page E321]] embodied the highest ideals of the legal profession and has served the people of Virginia with wisdom, fairness, and deep respect for the rule of law. A proud graduate of The University of Virginia for both undergraduate and law, Justice Powell began her legal career in private practice in Richmond, Virginia. Her professionalism and legal acumen quickly established her as a respected figure in Virginia's legal community. In 1993, Justice Powell made history by becoming the first African American woman to serve as a judge on the District Court for the County of Chesterfield. During her tenure, she earned widespread respect for her fairness, thoughtful deliberation, and commitment to ensuring that every person who appeared before her court was treated with dignity and respect. Her exceptional judicial service led to her election to the Chesterfield Circuit Court in 2000 and to the Virginia Court of Appeals in 2008, where she continued to distinguish herself as a jurist of remarkable intellect and sound judgment. In 2011, the Virginia General Assembly elected her to the Supreme Court of Virginia, where she again made history as the first African American woman to serve on the Commonwealth's highest court. During her tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Powell has been widely recognized for her careful legal reasoning, principled approach to the law, and deep understanding of the profound responsibilities entrusted to the judiciary. Her opinions reflect a thoughtful balance of legal scholarship, respect for precedent, and a commitment to ensuring that the law serves all Virginians fairly. Now, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Justice Powell assumes an even greater leadership role within the Commonwealth's judicial system. Her historic appointment reflects not only her exceptional qualifications and experience, but also the trust and respect she has earned from her colleagues and the broader legal community. Justice Powell's journey is one of perseverance, dedication, and service. Her achievements have opened doors and expanded opportunities for future generations of attorneys and judges, particularly for young people who may now see themselves reflected in the leadership of Virginia's highest court. Mr. Speaker, Justice Cleo E. Powell's appointment as Chief Justice marks a proud and historic moment for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her leadership will undoubtedly continue to strengthen our judiciary and uphold the principles of justice and equality that are foundational to our democracy. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Chief Justice Cleo E. Powell on this historic achievement and in thanking her for her extraordinary service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. ____________________

View original source →

RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE CLEO E. POWELL AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E320-E321] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE CLEO E. POWELL AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA ______ HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN of virginia in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a historic milestone for the Commonwealth of Virginia and to honor the extraordinary career of Justice Cleo E. Powell, who was unanimously selected to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia by her peers. Chief Justice Powell is the first African American to serve as Chief Justice in the history of the Commonwealth. Justice Powell's appointment represents both a historic achievement and the continuation of a career defined by excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Throughout her distinguished career, she has [[Page E321]] embodied the highest ideals of the legal profession and has served the people of Virginia with wisdom, fairness, and deep respect for the rule of law. A proud graduate of The University of Virginia for both undergraduate and law, Justice Powell began her legal career in private practice in Richmond, Virginia. Her professionalism and legal acumen quickly established her as a respected figure in Virginia's legal community. In 1993, Justice Powell made history by becoming the first African American woman to serve as a judge on the District Court for the County of Chesterfield. During her tenure, she earned widespread respect for her fairness, thoughtful deliberation, and commitment to ensuring that every person who appeared before her court was treated with dignity and respect. Her exceptional judicial service led to her election to the Chesterfield Circuit Court in 2000 and to the Virginia Court of Appeals in 2008, where she continued to distinguish herself as a jurist of remarkable intellect and sound judgment. In 2011, the Virginia General Assembly elected her to the Supreme Court of Virginia, where she again made history as the first African American woman to serve on the Commonwealth's highest court. During her tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Powell has been widely recognized for her careful legal reasoning, principled approach to the law, and deep understanding of the profound responsibilities entrusted to the judiciary. Her opinions reflect a thoughtful balance of legal scholarship, respect for precedent, and a commitment to ensuring that the law serves all Virginians fairly. Now, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Justice Powell assumes an even greater leadership role within the Commonwealth's judicial system. Her historic appointment reflects not only her exceptional qualifications and experience, but also the trust and respect she has earned from her colleagues and the broader legal community. Justice Powell's journey is one of perseverance, dedication, and service. Her achievements have opened doors and expanded opportunities for future generations of attorneys and judges, particularly for young people who may now see themselves reflected in the leadership of Virginia's highest court. Mr. Speaker, Justice Cleo E. Powell's appointment as Chief Justice marks a proud and historic moment for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her leadership will undoubtedly continue to strengthen our judiciary and uphold the principles of justice and equality that are foundational to our democracy. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Chief Justice Cleo E. Powell on this historic achievement and in thanking her for her extraordinary service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. ____________________