After a long and drawn-out delay, the U.S. Senate has taken a step in moving our country forward by confirming Loretta Lynch as attorney general of the United States. Ms. Lynch's qualifications are beyond reproach. At a time when our nation is facing many troubling cases of social injustice that bring with them difficult legal questions, Ms. Lynch has the vision and the experience to bring true progress to the Justice Department.

As Speaker of the New York State Assembly, I speak on behalf of millions of New Yorkers when I applaud the Senate for finally doing what's right for the Justice Department and for our country. I wholeheartedly congratulate Ms. Lynch on her historic confirmation as the first African American woman to be named attorney general, and I am confident that at this time of uncertainty, Loretta Lynch will help President Obama make important progress and help us grow as a nation.