For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 14, 2002
President Disappointed with Sen. Judiciary Committee
Statement by the President
I am deeply disappointed that Judge Charles Pickering, a distinguished
judge who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in the past, is being
denied the opportunity to further serve his country.
The action of the Senate Judiciary Committee to refuse Judge Pickering a
vote by the full Senate leaves another empty seat in the federal
judiciary at a time when we face a vacancy crisis. It was
unfortunate for democracy and unfortunate for America.
Judge Pickering has earned the praise and support of those who know
him and know his record best -- both Democrats and Republicans from his
home state of Mississippi. They know him to be a fair and
measured judge, an advocate of civil rights and a dedicated member of
his community.
He has served with distinction, and deserves
better than to be blocked by a party line vote of ten Senators on one
Committee. The voice of the entire Senate deserves to be
heard.
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