    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [May 9, 2005]
    [Pages 776-777]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement Calling for Prompt Senate Consideration of Judicial Nominees
    May 9, 2005

        Four years ago today, I nominated Justice Priscilla Owen and Judge Terry Boyle to serve on the Federal courts of appeals. Four years
    later, neither has received an up-or-down vote in the Senate. Both have
    been rated well-qualified by the American Bar Association, the highest
    ABA rating a judicial nominee can receive. Both have been waiting to
    fill vacancies that have been designated judicial emergencies by the
    Judicial Conference of the United States. Much more than enough time has
    passed for the Senate to consider these nominations. The Senate should
    give these extraordinarily qualified nominees the up-or-down votes they
    deserve without further delay.
        It is only fair that the Senate promptly consider judicial nominees
    on the floor, discuss and debate their qualifications, and then vote to
    confirm or not to confirm them. Nominees who have the support of a
    majority of the Senate should be confirmed. Unfortunately, a minority of
    Senators is blocking the will of the Senate.

        Over the course of the past 4 years, the blocking of judicial
    nominees in the Senate has escalated to an unprecedented level. Last
    Congress, 10 of my appeals court nominees were filibustered. Each of
    these highly qualified nominees enjoyed the bipartisan support of a
    majority of Senators. Each would have been confirmed if given a simple
    up-or-down vote. Each deserved a simple up-or-down vote by the entire
    Senate.

        I urge the Senate to put aside the partisan practices of the past
    and work together to ensure that all nominees are treated fairly and
    that all Americans receive timely justice in our Federal courts.

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