    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 9, 2008]
    [Pages 169-170]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    February 9, 2008

        Good morning. One of the most important jobs of any President is to
    find good men and women to lead Government agencies, preside over our
    courts, and provide vital services to the American people. So I have
    nominated talented individuals for these positions. Unfortunately, the
    Senate is not meeting its responsibility to consider these nominees in a
    timely manner. More than 180 of my nominees are waiting for
    confirmation. Some have been waiting for more than a year. As a result,
    careers have been put on hold, families have been placed in limbo, and
    our Government has been deprived of the service of these fine nominees.
        On Thursday, I stood with many of these nominees at the White House.
    They are decent and talented people. The Senate needs to confirm them to
    address important issues, from the economy to public safety to national
    security.

    [[Page 170]]

        One of the most important institutions for America's economy is the
    Federal Reserve. The Fed decides monetary policy, and it sets key
    interest rates that have an impact on homeowners and businesses across
    our country. Yet the Senate has been delaying three of my nominations to the Fed for nearly 9 months. My nominees
    have valuable experience and skills, and I urge the Senate to confirm
    them as soon as possible.
        Another important institution is the Federal Aviation
    Administration. The FAA plays a vital role in keeping you safe when you
    fly. In October, I nominated Bobby Sturgell to lead the FAA. Bobby has nearly 20 years of cockpit
    experience from his time as a Navy fighter pilot, Top Gun instructor,
    and commercial airline pilot. He's committed to addressing problems that
    have caused airline delays, and I urge Senators to put politics aside
    and confirm him to office.
        In this time of war, we need a strong Department of Justice. Yet the
    Senate has not voted on nominations for seven senior leadership
    positions at the Department. One of those vacancies is for Deputy
    Attorney General. The Deputy Attorney General helps lead efforts to
    detect and prevent terrorist attacks at home.
        I have selected an outstanding nominee for this position, Judge Mark
    Filip. This former prosecutor has earned a
    reputation for being fairminded and dedicated. Several years ago, the
    Senate confirmed him unanimously for a lifetime position on the Federal
    bench. Now I ask Senators to confirm him once again so he can help keep
    our Nation safe.
        As Senators confirm these nominees, they must also confirm judges to
    the Federal bench. I have nominated highly qualified individuals who
    will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel.
    Unfortunately, the Senate continues to delay votes for 28 of my judicial
    nominees. Three of my nominees for the court of appeals have waited
    nearly 600 days. These delays are irresponsible, they undermine the
    cause of justice, and I call on the United States Senate to give these
    nominees the up-or-down vote they deserve.
        When men and women agree to serve in public office, we should treat
    them with respect and dignity, and that means giving them a prompt
    confirmation vote. When the Senate fails to give nominees a timely vote,
    it leaves important positions in our Government vacant, and it makes it
    harder for Presidents of both parties to attract good men and women to
    serve in these vital posts.
        By working together, Republicans and Democrats can chart a better
    course. We can bring every nomination to the floor for a vote and give
    the American people the kind of public servants they deserve.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 2:25 p.m. on February 7 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on February 9. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    February 8, but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The
    Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.