[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS

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                           HON. RICHARD BURR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Constitution of the 
United States gives the other body the responsibility for confirming, 
in a fair and just manner, judicial nominees chosen by the President. 
Unfortunately in the current political climate, qualified nominees are 
being held captive, causing a vacancy crisis in the federal judiciary.
  Injecting ideology into the confirmation process is misguided at best 
and downright irresponsible at worst. The American people expect better 
out of their elected officials. There is a drastic shortage of judges 
in the federal court system, Mr. Speaker. With every passing day that 
these nominations are allowed to stagnate in the other body, the crisis 
worsens. These vacancies are denying swift and balanced justice for the 
American people.
  This problem must be addressed in a non-partisan way by placing well-
qualified and experienced judges on the bench in an expedient manner. 
The President has thus far fulfilled his duty by nominating well-
qualified men and women to the federal bench. It is long past time for 
my colleagues in the other body to act.




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