    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [October 3, 2005]
    [Pages 1502-1504]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Announcing the Nomination of Harriet E. Miers To Be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme
    Court
    October 3, 2005

        In our great democracy, the Supreme Court is the guardian of our
    constitutional freedoms and the protector of our founding promise of
    equal justice under the law. Over the past 5 years, I've spoken clearly
    to the American people about the qualities I look for in a Supreme Court
    Justice. A Justice must be a person of accomplishment and sound legal
    judgment. A Justice must be a person of fairness and unparalleled
    integrity. And a Justice must strictly apply the Constitution and laws
    of the United States and not legislate from the bench.
        This summer I nominated an individual to the High Court who embodies
    all these characteristics. And this morning our Nation can be proud when
    John Roberts opens a new Supreme Court
    session as the 17th Chief Justice of the United States.
        It is now my duty to select a nominee to fill the seat that will be
    left vacant by the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Once again, I considered a wide variety of
    distinguished Americans from different walks of life. Once again, we
    consulted with Democrats and Republicans in the United States Senate. We
    received good advice from more than 80 Senators. And once again, one
    person stood out as exceptionally well suited to sit on the highest
    court of our Nation.

        This morning I'm proud to announce that I am nominating Harriet
    Ellan Miers to serve as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. For the
    past 5 years, Harriet Miers has served in critical roles in our Nation's
    Government, including one of the most important legal positions in the
    country, White House Counsel. She has devoted her life to the rule of
    law and the cause of justice. She will be an outstanding addition to the
    Supreme Court of the United States.

    [[Page 1503]]

        Harriet was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She attended public
    schools. When illness struck her family during her freshman year in
    college, Harriet went to work to help pay for her own education. She
    went on to receive a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a law degree
    from Southern Methodist University.
        Over the course of a distinguished legal career, Harriet has earned
    the respect and admiration of her fellow attorneys. She has a record of
    achievement in the law, as well as experience as an elected member of
    the Dallas City Council. She served at high levels of both State and
    Federal Government. Before State and Federal courts, she has tried cases
    and argued appeals that covered a broad range of matters. She's been a
    leader in the American Bar Association and has been recognized by the
    National Law Journal as one of the most powerful attorneys in America.
        Harriet's greatest inspiration was her mother, who taught her the difference between right and wrong
    and instilled in Harriet the conviction that she could do anything she
    set her mind to. Inspired by that confidence, Harriet became a pioneer
    in the field of law, breaking down barriers to women that remained even
    after a generation--remained a generation after President Reagan
    appointed Justice O'Connor to the
    Supreme Court.
        Harriet was the first woman to be hired at one of Dallas's top law
    firms, the first woman to become president of that firm, the first woman
    to lead a large law firm in the State of Texas. Harriet also became the
    first woman president of the Dallas Bar Association and the first woman
    elected president of the State Bar of Texas. In recognition of her
    achievements paving the way for women lawyers, Harriet's colleagues in
    Texas have honored her with numerous awards, most recently the Sandra
    Day O'Connor Award for professional excellence.
        Harriet has built a reputation for fairness and integrity. When I
    came to office as the Governor of Texas, the Lottery Commission needed a
    leader of unquestioned integrity. I chose Harriet because I knew she
    would earn the confidence of the people of Texas. The Dallas Morning
    News said that Harriet insisted on a system that was fair and honest.
    She delivered results.
        Harriet has also earned a reputation for her deep compassion and
    abiding sense of duty. In Texas, she made it her mission to support
    better legal representation for the poor and underserved. As president
    of the Dallas Bar, she called on her fellow lawyers to volunteer and
    staff free neighborhood clinics. She led by example. She put in long
    hours of pro bono work. Harriet Miers has given generously of her time
    and talent by serving as a leader with more than a dozen community
    groups and charities, including the Young Women's Christian Association,
    Child Care Dallas, Goodwill Industries, Exodus Ministries, Meals on
    Wheels, and the Legal Aid Society. Harriet's life has been characterized
    by service to others, and she will bring that same passion for service
    to the Supreme Court of the United States.
        I've given a lot of thought to the kind of people who should serve
    on the Federal judiciary. I've come to agree with the late Chief Justice
    William Rehnquist, who wrote about the importance of having judges who
    are drawn from a wide diversity of professional backgrounds. Justice
    Rehnquist himself came to the Supreme Court without prior experience on
    the bench, as did more than 35 other men, including Byron White. And I'm
    proud to nominate an outstanding woman who brings a similar record of
    achievement in private practice and public service.
        Under the Constitution, Harriet's nomination now goes before the
    United States Senate for confirmation. The American people expect
    Harriet's hearings to be handled with the same respect and civility that
    characterized the last three Supreme Court confirmations--those of Chief
    Justice Roberts, Justice
    Breyer, and Justice Ginsburg.

    [[Page 1504]]

        In its consideration of Chief Justice Roberts' nomination, the Senate made it clear that a well-
    qualified nominee, committed to strictly interpret the law, can be
    confirmed promptly and by a large bipartisan majority. As the new Chief
    Justice said at his swearing in last week, ``The Senate vote affirmed
    the bedrock principle that judging is different from politics.'' I
    believe that Senators of both parties will find that Harriet Miers's
    talent, experience, and judicial philosophy make her a superb choice to
    safeguard the constitutional liberties and equality of all Americans.
        Harriet Miers will strictly interpret our Constitution and laws. She
    will not legislate from the bench. I ask the Senate to review her
    qualifications, thoroughly and fairly, and to vote on her nomination
    promptly.
        This morning I again thank Justice O'Connor for her 24 years of service on the Supreme Court,
    including some additional time that she had not planned on. In selecting
    a nominee, I've sought to find an American of grace, judgment, and
    unwavering devotion to the Constitution and laws of our country. Harriet
    Miers is just such a person.
        I've known Harriet for more than a decade. I know her heart; I know
    her character. I know that Harriet's mother is
    proud of her today, and I know her father would be proud of her too. I'm
    confident that Harriet Miers will add to the wisdom and character of our
    judiciary when she is confirmed as the 110th Justice of the Supreme
    Court.
        Harriet, thank you for agreeing to serve. Congratulations.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:01 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    included the remarks of Associate Justice-designate Miers.