    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [November 14, 2003]
    [Pages 1542-1543]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action To Block Votes on Judicial Nominations
    November 14, 2003

        Today's partisan action to block up-or-down votes on Justice
    Priscilla Owen, Judge Carolyn
    Kuhl, and Justice Janice Rogers Brown is inconsistent with the Senate's
    constitutional responsibility and is just plain wrong. Once again, a
    partisan minority of Senators has thwarted the will of the majority and
    stood in the way of voting on superb judicial nominees.

    [[Page 1543]]

        These obstructionist tactics are shameful, unfair, and have become
    all too common. At a time when the American people have important issues
    backlogged in the courts, partisan Senators are playing politics with
    the judicial process at the expense of timely justice for the American
    people.
        I commend Senate Republicans, especially Leader Frist, Chairman Hatch, and Senator
    Santorum, for their leadership and commitment
    to the Constitution and basic fairness. During their 40-hour debate,
    these Senators have focused on the damaging vacancies that exist on the
    Federal courts of appeals, the highly qualified individuals I have
    nominated to serve, and the Senate's obligation to vote on every
    judicial nominee.
        No matter who is President or which party controls the Senate, the
    American people deserve a well-functioning, independent judiciary and a
    commitment by all Senators to live up to their constitutional
    obligation.