For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 24, 2005
President Welcomes Judge Owen, Encourages Senate Confirmation
The Oval Office
4:51 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I'm proud to welcome Judge Priscilla Owen to the
Oval Office, along with Leader Frist and my two buddies from the great
state of Texas, Senator Hutchison and Senator Cornyn.
Over four years ago I put Judge Owen's name up to the Senate for
confirmation to the 5th Court of Appeals. Thanks to the good work of
the Leader, whose work cleared the way, Judge Owen is finally going to
get an up or down vote on the Senate floor. She is my friend, and more
importantly, she's a great judge.
I want to thank the Texas Senators who have been so strong,
standing beside Priscilla. There was never any doubt in the Senators'
minds that Priscilla Owen is well-qualified to honorably serve on the
federal bench. And it's such a -- it's a great day for our friend, to
see our friend finally get a just due, after a long, long wait.
So, welcome and congratulations. Perhaps you'd like to say
something.
JUDGE OWEN: Mr. President, first of all, thank you for nominating
me. I was very humbled by that, and I will remember what -- that you
expect judges to follow the law. And I want to thank both of my
Senators, Senator Hutchison and Senator Cornyn. Your support was
tremendous throughout all of this. I really appreciate it, and thank
you so much for all the time and effort you put in to responding
tirelessly for months and months. And Senator Frist, thank you for
your leadership. I appreciate that, and I appreciate the fact that I'm
finally going to get a vote, thanks to your efforts.
Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming.
END 4:54 P.M. EDT
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