[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 36 (Thursday, March 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E379]]
                       MIGUEL ESTRADA NOMINATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2003

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I join my fellow members of the Congressional 
Hispanic Caucus in strong opposition to the nomination of Miguel 
Estrada to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
  After meeting with Mr. Estrada, I am convinced that he possesses 
neither the professional qualifications nor the commitment to diversity 
necessary for service on the second most influential court in our 
nation.
  We are disturbed by the fact that the President has nominated a 
person who has no prior experience as a judge and who is not considered 
one of the foremost legal voices of our time.
  It is clear to us that Mr. Estrada's nomination has more to do with 
his Spanish surname than his qualifications for the job.
  Miguel Estrada has no connection to the Latino community. He has no 
particular affinity for the role of the courts in lifting up the Latino 
community. He has never contributed pro bono legal services to Latino 
organizations, and has no interest in righting the wrongs of the past.
  In short, he has no business representing our community on a bench 
that is just a stone's throw from the highest court in the land.
  I strongly urge the Senate to vote against the confirmation of Miguel 
Estrada, and I stand in solidarity with our brave colleagues in the 
other chamber who are opposing his nomination.

                          ____________________