Charleston Leader

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee has advanced legislation to designate the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse as the "Irene M. Keeley United States Courthouse." The bill, authored by Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, aims to honor Judge Irene M. Keeley, who was the first woman appointed as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia.

Ranking Member Capito expressed her gratitude for the widespread support for the bill, stating, "Judge Keeley has earned a reputation as someone who conducts herself with integrity, consistently demonstrates a thorough understanding of the law, and treats each case before her with fairness and thoughtfulness." She further added, "I am thankful we have widespread support for our effort to honor Judge Keeley, and I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation across the finish line."

Senator Manchin also expressed his pleasure at the advancement of the bill, saying, "As the former Chief Judge and first woman to serve on the bench for the Northern District of West Virginia, Judge Keeley has inspired generations of legal professionals through her dedication to fairness and justice." He emphasized the deservedness of this tribute and pledged to continue working with Senator Capito and their colleagues to ensure the swift passage of the bill on the full Senate floor.

Judge Irene M. Keeley earned her law degree from the West Virginia College of Law in 1980. After more than a decade in private practice, she was nominated by President George H. W. Bush as Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in 1992. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent on August 11, 1992. Judge Keeley served as the district's court Chief Judge from March 2001 to March 2008 before taking inactive senior status on September 30, 2022.

The full text of the legislation can be found [here](link).

This bipartisan effort to designate the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse in honor of Judge Irene M. Keeley showcases the recognition and appreciation for her remarkable career and decades of service to West Virginia. As the first female judge for the Northern District of West Virginia and with her unwavering dedication to upholding the law, Judge Keeley has left an indelible mark on the legal profession. The passage of this bill is not only a fitting tribute to her legacy but also a testament to the importance of diversity and representation in the judiciary.