On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Sara Hill and John Russell for federal judgeship in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.With the confirmation, Hill became the first female Native American federal judge in Oklahoma.Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chick Hoskin Jr. issued a statement about Hill – who was the Cherokee Nation attorney general from August 2019 to August 31, 2023 – calling her a brilliant attorney who commits to public service, fairness, justice and the rule of law. Hoskin also called it a great and historic day for the country.Sen. James Lankford said he is grateful that the Senate quickly filled the federal court decisions.>> Download the KOCO 5 app“With hundreds of cases in the backlog, I am grateful the Senate moved quickly to fill the vacancies on the federal court for the Northern District of Oklahoma," Lankford said in a statement. "The two new judges for the Northern District were an agreed-upon pair with the White House. I believe Sara Hill and John Russell will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and administer justice fairly and impartially. After months of background checks, vetting, testimony, interviews, and much more, Sara, John, and their families have finally made it through our rigorous confirmation process. I congratulate them both on earning this position of high honor and responsibility in our nation."Top Headlines House of Secrets: Tip to OKC police unravels a family, shakes the community 'Given in love': Donor drops wedding rings, note in Salvation Army red kettle Could Oklahoma City really support a 134-story residential tower? Small Oklahoma town grieves after 7-year-old girl killed in car crash Could the nation's second tallest building be built in OKC?