CHARLESTON — U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) endorsed U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank Volk on Wednesday during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
The hearing was for Volk's confirmation to the position. President Donald Trump nominated Volk to the vacancy left on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia by Judge John Copenhaver, who became a senior status judge at the age of 93.
Manchin said Volk's resume was impressive and he was honored to speak about him at the committee hearing.
"Even with all his accolades, Frank knows and understands the value of hard work," Manchin said at the hearing. "West Virginia and the federal bench need judges that are thoughtful, hardworking and exhibit a high level of intellect."
Manchin said Volk fits that role perfectly.
"Frank brings such a great level of experience to the bench and I can safely say I am pleased that President Trump has nominated him to continue serving the West Virginia judiciary," Manchin said.
Capito said Volk is qualified for the job.
"Based on his experience as a judge and educator and his service to our federal court system, Frank is clearly qualified for the promotion to the federal district court bench," Capito said at the hearing.
When Trump nominated Volk, Capito released a statement that she recommended him for the position because he was fair and upheld the law.
Volk currently serves as a bankruptcy judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. He's been a judge there since 2015.
Trump nominated Volk back in April. Copenhaver was transferred to senior status last November.
Before serving as a bankruptcy judge, Volk was a law clerk for Copenhaver, the late U.S. District Judge M. Blane Michael and the late U.S. District Judge Charles H. Haden.