Statement by President Bush
WASHINGTON, May 10 – LAWFUEL- The Law News Network — The following is a statement by President Bush:
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.
Web Site: http://www.whitehouse.gov
