[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.