    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [July 22, 2004]
    [Pages 1405-1406]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action To Block Votes on Judicial Nominations
    July 22, 2004

        Today a minority of Senators employed filibuster tactics to bar
    confirmation votes on three excellent judicial nominees from Michigan to
    the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit--Judge Richard
    Griffin, Judge David McKeague, and Judge Henry Saad. Each
    of these nominees is eminently qualified, has the support of a majority
    of Senators, and would be confirmed if given an up-or-down vote.
        These filibuster tactics are shameful and inconsistent with the
    Senate's constitutional obligation. All three
    of these
    fine men are distinguished jurists. Together they have more than three
    decades of experience on the Michigan State and Federal courts. All
    three have been rated either well-qualified or qualified by the American
    Bar Association. The vacancies these judges have been nominated to fill
    have been designated judicial emergencies by the Judicial Conference of
    the United States. Yet all three nominees have been waiting more than 2
    years for an up-or-down vote in the Senate. By blocking votes on these
    nominations, a minority of Senators is continuing a crisis that has
    delayed the administration of justice in the Sixth Circuit.
        Prior to this Congress, the filibuster had never been used to block
    the confirmation of a judicial nominee. But in recent months, the use of
    this obstructionist tactic by some Democrats has become commonplace.
    With today's action, 10 appeals court nominees have now been
    filibustered.
        The Senate minority's unfair treatment of these nominees
    demonstrates the breakdown in the judicial confirmation process. More
    than 18 months ago, I proposed a plan that would ensure that judicial
    nominees receive timely hearings and up-or-down votes no matter who is
    President or which party controls the Senate. I again urge the Senate--
    Republicans and Democrats alike--to put an end to the partisan politics
    of the past and ensure judicial nominees are given the timely up-or-down
    votes they deserve. The Senate owes it to these fine men and women and
    to the American people.

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