    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [June 25, 2008]
    [Page 874]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Confirmation of Judges for the United States Courts
    of Appeals and District Courts
    June 25, 2008

        Yesterday the Senate confirmed Raymond Kethledge and Helene White to the U.S.
    Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and Stephen Murphy to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern
    District of Michigan. I appreciate the Senate's work on filling these
    important seats, which had been declared judicial emergencies.
        For the first time in my administration, the Sixth Circuit will now
    have a full court to address important issues facing the residents of
    Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. Unfortunately, too many other
    Federal judgeships across America remain vacant. This is unacceptable
    and inexcusable. Since the beginning of the 110th Congress, the Senate
    has confirmed only 10 circuit court nominees. In the last 2 years of the
    past three administrations, the Senate has confirmed an average of 17
    circuit court judges. I strongly urge the Senate to hold hearings and
    votes on the 28 pending circuit and district court nominations to ensure
    that our Nation has a fully functioning judicial system.