Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released a statement following Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s announcement that he will retire effective July 31:

“I thank Justice Kennedy for his independent jurisprudence and his service to the Court and his country. I hope the president will nominate a candidate who is of similar caliber and fairness and who will carefully consider the merits of each case. I urge the Senate to look for justices that will maintain independence,” said Rep. Peters.