[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[May 9, 2001]
[Pages 504-505]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 504]]

Remarks Announcing Nominations for the Federal Judiciary
May 9, 2001

    Thank you all very much. Attorney General, 
it's good to see you, sir, and happy birthday. Today is his birthday. 
Also, Judge Al Gonzales is here. Judge Gonzales 
is a great friend of mine who, fortunately, is my lawyer and is a part 
of the process, judicial selection process. Thank you for being here, 
Judge.
    I'm also honored to welcome Members of the United States Senate who 
are here to welcome the nominees to Washington: Of course, Senator Orrin 
Hatch, chairman of the Judiciary, as well as 
Senator Patrick Leahy, ranking member on 
the Judiciary. It's good to see you men. Thank you both for coming. John 
Warner, George Allen, George Voinovich, and 
last but not least, Senator Strom Thurmond, 
welcome. Thank you all for coming.
    I'm pleased to welcome my judicial nominees to the White House. And 
I'm pleased to welcome their family and friends, as well.
    This is a proud moment for all of you, and it's a proud moment for 
me, as well. A President has few greater responsibilities than that of 
nominating men and women to the courts of the United States. A Federal 
judge holds a position of great influence and respect and can hold it 
for a lifetime. When a President chooses a judge, he is placing in human 
hands the authority and majesty of the law. He owes it to the 
Constitution and to the country to choose with care. I have done so.
    With me this afternoon are my first 11 judicial nominees, 
individuals of experience and character. Four of them serve as United 
States district judges, all four confirmed by unanimous votes. Two 
others are sitting judges on State supreme courts. Four have served as 
law clerks in the Supreme Court of the United States. One has served 
here as an Associate Counsel to the President. One already holds the 
position for which I nominate him, by recess appointment of President 
Clinton.
    These men and women have followed different paths to this 
nomination. They come from diverse backgrounds and will bring a wide 
range of experience to the bench. All have sterling credentials and have 
met high standards of legal training, temperament, and judgment. As a 
group, they command broad, bipartisan support among those who know them 
and who have served with them. I submit their names to the Senate with 
full confidence that they will satisfy any test of judicial merit.
    These first nominations are also an opportunity to outline the 
standards by which I will choose all Federal judges. The American people 
expect judges of the highest caliber, and my nominees will meet that 
test. A judge, by the most basic measure, has an obligation shared by 
the President and Members of Congress. All of us are constitutional 
officers, sworn to serve within the limits of our Constitution and laws. 
When we observe those limits, we exercise our rightful power. When we 
exceed those limits, we abuse our powers.
    Every judge I appoint will be a person who clearly understands the 
role of a judge is to interpret the law, not to legislate from the 
bench. To paraphrase the third occupant of this house, James Madison, 
the courts exist to exercise not the will of men but the judgment of 
law. My judicial nominees will know the difference. Understanding this 
will make them more effective in the defense of rights guaranteed under 
the Constitution, the enforcement of our laws, and more effective in 
assuming that justice is done to the guilty and for the innocent.
    My standard is informed by the oath that each judge will take: to 
administer justice without respect to persons and to do equal right to 
poor and to the rich. A good judge

[[Page 505]]

exercises these powers with discernment, courage, and humility. These 
are commitments not just to philosophy but of character. My nominees 
today and in the years to come will be notable for their distinction and 
accomplishments, and all will be exceptional for their humanity and 
their integrity.
    With today's 11 nominees, we continue a constitutional process that 
involves all three branches of Government. For many weeks now, we have 
sought and received advice from Senators of both parties. I now submit 
these nominations in good faith, trusting that good faith will also be 
extended by the United States Senate.
    Over the years, we have seen how the confirmation process can be 
turned to other ends. We have seen political battles played out in 
committee hearings, battles that have little to do with the merits of 
the person sitting before the committee. This is not good for the 
Senate, for our courts, or for the country.
    There are today over 100 vacancies on the Federal courts, causing 
backlogs, frustration, and delay of justice. I urge Senators of both 
parties to rise above the bitterness of the past, to provide a fair 
hearing and a prompt vote to every nominee. That should be the case for 
no matter who lives in this house and no matter who controls the Senate.
    I ask for the return of civility and dignity to the confirmation 
process. And with this distinguished group of nominees awaiting 
confirmation, there is no better opportunity than right now. I 
congratulate all of you on your service past and for your service to 
come.
    God bless.

Note: The President spoke at 2:43 p.m. in the East Room at the White 
House.