    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [July 16, 2005]
    [Pages 1230-1232]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    July 16, 2005

        Good morning. Under the Constitution, I have the responsibility to
    nominate a successor to Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day
    O'Connor. This past week, I met with
    Democratic and Republican leaders in the United States Senate and sought
    their views on the process and their thoughts on the qualities to look
    for in a potential nominee. Also, my staff has talked with more than 60
    Members of the United States Senate. Members of the Senate are receiving
    a full opportunity to provide their opinions and recommendations, and I
    appreciate their advice.
        I will be guided by clear principles as I make my decision. My
    nominee will be a fair-minded individual who represents the mainstream
    of American law and American values. The nominee will meet the highest
    standards of intellect, character, and ability, and will pledge to
    faithfully interpret the Constitution and laws of our country. Our
    Nation deserves, and I will select, a Supreme Court Justice that
    Americans can be proud of.
        The American people also expect a Senate confirmation process that
    rises above partisanship. When I met with Senate leaders, we discussed
    our shared goal of making sure that the confirmation process is
    dignified. The nominee deserves fair treatment, a fair hearing, and a
    fair vote. I will make my nomination in a timely manner so the nominee
    can be confirmed before the start of the Court's new term in October.
        The experiences of the two Justices nominated by President
    Clinton provide useful examples of fair
    treatment and a reasonable timetable for Senate action. In 1993, the
    Senate voted on and confirmed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the Supreme Court 42 days after President Clinton
    submitted her nomination. And despite the significant philosophical
    differences many Senators had with Justice Ginsburg, she received 96
    votes in favor of confirmation.

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        The following year, Justice Stephen Breyer was confirmed 73 days after his nomination was submitted,
    with 87 votes in his favor. Again, Republican Senators, in large
    numbers, voted for confirmation of Justice Breyer despite significant
    philosophical differences. These examples show that the thorough
    consideration of a nominee does not require months of delay.
        As we continue the process to fill the opening on the Supreme Court,
    we are also moving forward on other important priorities for the
    American people. This past week, we received more good news on the
    economy. The 2005 deficit is projected to be $94 billion less than
    previously expected. I told the Congress and the country we would cut
    the deficit in half by 2009. This week's numbers show that we are ahead
    of pace, so long as Congress acts wisely with taxpayer dollars.
        This good news on the budget is coupled with other news that shows
    the economy is strong and getting stronger. Our economy is growing
    faster than any other major industrialized nation. The unemployment rate
    is down to 5 percent, lower than the average rate of the 1970s, 1980s,
    and 1990s. We have created more than 2 million jobs in the past 12
    months. More Americans are working today than ever before in our
    Nation's history, and homeownership in America is at an alltime high.
        To keep our economy growing and creating jobs, Congress needs to
    continue working in the upcoming weeks on our progrowth economic agenda.
    First, for the sake of our economic security and our national security,
    the Congress must complete its work on a good energy bill that will
    reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
        Second, the House needs to follow the Senate's lead by approving the
    Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. By
    lowering trade barriers for our exports, this agreement will level the
    playing field for America's goods, services, and crops, and help create
    jobs for American workers.
        Third, Congress needs to send me a fiscally responsible highway bill
    that modernizes roads and bridges, improves safety, and opens up new job
    opportunities.
        Finally, Congress needs to move forward with Social Security reform.
    For those of you who were born before 1950, Social Security will not
    change. But the system has made promises to our younger workers that it
    cannot pay for, and the cost of fixing the system grows higher with
    every year we wait. So Congress needs to act now to strengthen Social
    Security for our children and grandchildren.
        The American people expect members of both parties to offer a
    positive agenda and get things done for our country. By working together
    in the weeks ahead, I am confident we will achieve positive results for
    all Americans.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on July 15 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on July 16. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    July 15 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of
    the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this
    address.

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