The U.S. Senate confirmed DeKalb County Superior Court Judge J.P. Boulee Wednesday to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta.

Georgia's U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, both Republican, applauded the long-awaited vote. The Senate approved Boulee 85-11.

“Judge Boulee has made Georgia and the United States proud during his service as a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Army and as a judge in DeKalb County, where he has worked to help our country's veterans. I'm proud the Senate has confirmed him to serve on the federal level,” Isakson said. “I'm confident that Judge Boulee will continue to serve our state with distinction, and I share my thanks and congratulations with him.”

“As a former judge on the Superior Court of DeKalb County and JAG officer in the U.S. Army, Judge Boulee is highly qualified and well-suited for this new role. President Trump has chosen an outstanding legal professional to fill this judicial vacancy in Georgia,” Perdue said. “I congratulate Judge Boulee on his confirmation and know he will continue to make Georgia proud serving our nation on the U.S. District Court.”

Boulee has served on the DeKalb County Superior Court since his appointment by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2015. During his time on the bench, he founded and presides over the county's Veterans Treatment Court. Boulee previously was a partner at Jones Day. Boulee served as a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps from 1997-2001. He received his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University and his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.

President Donald Trump nominated Boulee to the federal court on Aug. 28, 2018, and renominated him in January as required in the new session of Congress. Boulee's hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee was held on Nov. 13, 2018, and the committee unanimously voted 22-0 to send his nomination to the full Senate on Feb. 7.