For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 8, 2003
Statement by the President on Judicial Nominees
Miguel Estrada and Priscilla Owen have been waiting two years for an
up-or-down vote in the Senate. Both of these nominees are of the
highest integrity and character with tremendous legal experience. Both
have been unanimously rated "Well Qualified" by the American Bar
Association. Each has the support of a majority of Senators, yet votes
on their nominations are being blocked by a minority of Senators who
are engaged in simultaneous filibusters. These partisan obstructionist
tactics are unprecedented, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the
Senate's Constitutional responsibility.
Because of the Senate's failure to hold timely votes, the number of
judicial vacancies has become unacceptably high. When the Federal
Courts are understaffed, they cannot act in a timely manner to resolve
disputes that affect the lives and liberties of Americans.
Mr. Estrada and Justice Owen represent the mainstream of American
law and American values, possess extraordinary experience and
integrity, and have strong bipartisan support from those who know them
best. They will be outstanding circuit judges once they receive a vote
and are confirmed.
In recent days, many Senators of both parties have rightly spoken
out about the broken confirmation process and reiterated the need for
the Senate to ensure timely consideration of judicial nominees. I
appreciate their call for the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional
responsibility and hold up-or-down votes on all judicial nominees
within a reasonable time after nomination.
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