For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 9, 2005
President's Statement on Judicial Nominations
Four years ago today, I nominated Justice Priscilla Owen and Judge
Terry Boyle to serve on the Federal courts of appeals. Four years
later, neither has received an up-or-down vote in the Senate. Both
have been rated well-qualified by the American Bar Association, the
highest ABA rating a judicial nominee can receive. Both have been
waiting to fill vacancies that have been designated judicial
emergencies by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Much more
than enough time has passed for the Senate to consider these
nominations. The Senate should give these extraordinarily qualified
nominees the up-or-down votes they deserve without further delay.
It is only fair that the Senate promptly consider judicial nominees
on the floor, discuss and debate their qualifications, and then vote to
confirm or not to confirm them. Nominees who have the support of a
majority of the Senate should be confirmed. Unfortunately, a minority
of Senators is blocking the will of the Senate.
Over the course of the past four years, the blocking of judicial
nominees in the Senate has escalated to an unprecedented level. Last
Congress, ten of my appeals court nominees were filibustered. Each of
these highly qualified nominees enjoyed the bipartisan support of a
majority of Senators. Each would have been confirmed if given a simple
up-or-down vote. Each deserved a simple up-or-down vote by the entire
Senate.
I urge the Senate to put aside the partisan practices of the past
and work together to ensure that all nominees are treated fairly and
that all Americans receive timely justice in our Federal courts.
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