    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [July 20, 2005]
    [Pages 1248-1249]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks to Reporters Following a Meeting With Associate Justice-
    Designate Roberts
    July 20, 2005

        Good morning, how are you? I just had a cup of coffee with the
    nominee and told him I thought things were off to a very good start for
    his nomination. I'm not surprised; he's highly qualified for the job.
    He's the kind of person that will bring great dignity to the Court.
    Judge Roberts is off to the Senate this morning to begin his
    consultations. I'm confident the Senators will come to realize what I've
    come to realize: We're lucky to have a man of such wisdom and
    intellectual strength willing to serve our country.
        I'm also confident that the process will move forward in a
    dignified, civil way. In my conversations with Senators last night, we
    discussed how important it is that Judge Roberts get a fair hearing, a
    timely hearing, and a hearing that will bring great credit to our Nation
    and to the United States Senate. And so I told Judge Roberts over coffee
    that we'll provide all the support that's necessary for the Senators to
    be able to make up their minds, that we will push the process forward,
    because he and I both agree that it's important that he be sworn in
    prior to the Court reconvening in October, and that I wished him all the
    best.
        So I appreciate you coming by for coffee this morning.

    [[Page 1249]]

    Note: The President spoke at 7:30 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House.