    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 9, 2000]
    [Pages 426-427]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action on Judicial Nominations
    March 9, 2000

        Today the Senate finally confirmed, after 4 years, Judge Richard
    Paez and, after 2 years, Marsha
    Berzon to the United States Court of Appeals
    for the Ninth Circuit.
        Both of these candidates bring extraordinary experience and
    diversity to the bench. Both received the American Bar Association's
    highest rating. Both were approved by solid bipartisan majorities today,
    but unfortunately both were forced to wait far too long to receive
    votes.
        This week the Senate also confirmed Judge Julio Fuentes of New Jersey, who becomes the first Hispanic to serve
    on the Third Circuit. Judge Fuentes had to wait a year for his vote, but
    when it finally came, he was approved unanimously by a vote of 93 to 0.
        I want to thank the Senate for moving this process forward. But I
    want to repeat that dozens of qualified judicial nominees still await
    confirmation. Meanwhile, caseloads rise and

    [[Page 427]]

    backlogs mount. These fine Americans have offered themselves to serve
    our country--and they are entitled to an up-or-down vote. Election year
    politics should not be used as an excuse to slow down the confirmation
    process.
        This is a good day for our country. But we must keep going. It's
    what our nominees deserve and what justice demands.