    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [May 8, 2003]
    [Pages 453-454]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action To Block Votes on the Nominations of Miguel
    A. Estrada and Priscilla Owen Richman To Be United States Court of Appeals
    Circuit Judges
    May 8, 2003

        Miguel Estrada and Priscilla Owen have been waiting 2 years for an
    up-or-down vote in the Senate. Both of these nominees are of the highest
    integrity and character with tremendous legal experience. Both have been
    unanimously rated ``well-qualified'' by the American Bar Association.
    Each has the support of a majority of Senators, yet votes on their
    nominations are being blocked by a minority of Senators who are engaged
    in simultaneous filibusters. These partisan obstructionist tactics are
    unprecedented, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the Senate's
    constitutional responsibility.
        Because of the Senate's failure to hold timely votes, the number of
    judicial vacancies has become unacceptably high. When the Federal courts
    are understaffed, they cannot act in a timely manner to resolve disputes
    that affect the lives and liberties of Americans.

    [[Page 454]]

        Mr. Estrada and Justice Owen represent the mainstream of American
    law and American values, possess extraordinary experience and integrity,
    and have strong bipartisan support from those who know them best. They
    will be outstanding circuit judges once they receive a vote and are
    confirmed.
        In recent days, many Senators of both parties have rightly spoken
    out about the broken confirmation process and reiterated the need for
    the Senate to ensure timely consideration of judicial nominees. I
    appreciate their call for the Senate to fulfill its constitutional
    responsibility and hold up-or-down votes on all judicial nominees within
    a reasonable time after nomination.