[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 12, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SUPPORTING THE NOMINATION OF MIGUEL ESTRADA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in support of the 
nomination of Miguel Estrada. If Miguel Estrada were considered for 
Federal bench on merits alone, we would not be still debating his 
qualifications. He would already be serving.
  Estrada was given the very highest recommendation by the American Bar 
Association, not what those who seek to tar and feather him would 
consider a right wing organization. While we prefer our Tennessee law 
schools, we do know that some consider Harvard to be a pretty good 
alternative. Mr. Estrada not only graduated from Harvard, but was the 
editor of the Law Review. Again, Harvard is not what Estrada's critics 
would consider a right wing organization. And in what can only be 
described as a stellar career, he went on to clerk for Supreme Court 
Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is also not considered by those on the 
left to be part of the right wing.
  I think my point is clear. Partisan politics are behind the attacks 
on his character and the delay in his nomination.
  With the country on alert for terrorist attacks, a potential conflict 
in Iraq, and effort on the way to enact economic stimulus, it is time 
to stand behind this extremely qualified candidate.

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