Charleston Leader

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee has recently advanced a bill that seeks to designate the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse in honor of Judge Irene M. Keeley. The legislation, authored by Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), has received unanimous approval from the EPW Committee and will now be considered by the Senate.

Ranking Member Capito expressed her appreciation for the widespread support for the bill, stating, "Today at the EPW Committee, we took an important step to designate the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse in honor of Judge Keeley's career and her decades of service to West Virginia." She praised Judge Keeley for being the first female judge for the Northern District of West Virginia and commended her integrity, thorough understanding of the law, and commitment to fairness and thoughtfulness in handling each case.

Senator Manchin also expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the bipartisan bill, stating, "I'm pleased our bipartisan bill to dedicate the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse in Judge Keeley's honor has passed out of the EPW Committee." He highlighted Judge Keeley's historic role as the former Chief Judge and first woman to serve on the bench for the Northern District of West Virginia, emphasizing her dedication to fairness and justice.

Judge Irene M. Keeley, who earned her law degree from the West Virginia College of Law in 1980, has had a distinguished career in the legal profession. 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.

Judge Keeley's confirmation by the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent on August 11, 1992, marked a significant milestone in her career. She served as the district's court Chief Judge from March 2001 to March 2008 and took inactive senior status on September 30, 2022.

The bill to designate the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse as the "Irene M. Keeley United States Courthouse" is a fitting tribute to Judge Keeley's remarkable contributions to the legal profession and her dedication to upholding fairness and justice. The full text of the legislation can be found on the official website.

As the bill proceeds to the Senate for consideration, Senator Capito, Senator Manchin, and their colleagues are committed to ensuring its swift passage on the full Senate floor. The proposed designation of the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse in honor of Judge Irene M. Keeley reflects the recognition and appreciation for her outstanding career and service to West Virginia.