    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [July 20, 2004]
    [Page 1389]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action To Block a Vote on the Nomination of Bill
    Myers To Be a United States Circuit Judge
    July 20, 2004

        Today a minority of Senators once again used obstructionist
    filibuster tactics to block a vote on an outstanding nominee to the
    United States Court of Appeals. Bill Myers has had a distinguished
    career as a public servant and practicing attorney and enjoys widespread
    support from across the political spectrum, yet he has been denied a
    simple up-or-down vote.
        These tactics are unfair to Bill Myers and unfair to the American
    people. Bill Myers has the support of a bipartisan majority of Senators
    and would be confirmed if given an up-or-down vote. He would be an asset
    to the Ninth Circuit, which is seriously overworked and in need of more
    judges. He would fill a seat that has been designated a judicial
    emergency by the Judicial Conference of the United States. More
    Americans will be denied speedy access to our justice system by the
    obstruction of a few.
        I continue to call on the minority in the Senate to stop playing
    politics with the American judicial system and give judicial nominees
    the fair treatment they deserve and the American people expect.