    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [October 24, 2007]
    [Page 1384]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Confirmation of Leslie H. Southwick as United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth
    Circuit
    October 24, 2007

        The confirmation of Judge Leslie Southwick to the U.S. Court of
    Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is a victory for America's judicial system
    and for the citizens of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Today's
    bipartisan vote resolves a longstanding judicial emergency and will help
    ensure that the Fifth Circuit can operate more effectively. Judge
    Southwick is a man of character and intelligence who will apply the law
    fairly. I appreciate the Senate's approval of his nomination.
        While today's vote resolves one judicial emergency, many of
    America's Federal courts continue to have unnecessary vacancies. I have
    nominated highly qualified men and women to serve on these courts. Now
    the Senate must act. In the final 2 years of the past 3 administrations,
    the Senate has confirmed an average of 17 circuit court judges. But
    since January of this year, the Senate has confirmed only five circuit
    court nominees. The Senate has more work to do. I once again call upon
    the Senate to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities and promptly
    provide these nominees fair up-or-down votes.