[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4912]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                NO SUPPORT FOR MIGUEL ESTRADA NOMINATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JIM RYUN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2003

  Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note that the other 
body has not acted on the judicial nomination of Mr. Miguel Estrada.
  The Constitution provides that the other body has the power to 
approve the President's choice of judges. This system has worked since 
the inception of our Nation. But now the other body is being stopped 
from exercising its power to confirm or not confirm Mr. Estrada. In 
fact, they are conducting a filibuster to keep a confirmation vote from 
taking place.
  To have a legislative body that is simply afraid to vote is not good 
for democracy. What do they fear? Is Mr. Estrada unfit? If so, they 
should simply vote ``no.''
  In America, even our suspected criminals are guaranteed due process 
under law and a speedy trial. But Mr. Estrada, who the American Bar 
Association gave its highest rating and who has a top-notch record of 
fairness and respect for the law, is left to languish without even a 
hearing.
  I urge the American people to call their Senators and tell them to 
give Mr. Estrada an up-or-down vote. They deserve nothing less than 
open and fair action.

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