[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 29 (Monday, July 25, 2005)]
[Page 1193]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks to Reporters Following a Meeting With Associate Justice-
Designate Roberts

July 20, 2005

    Good morning, how are you? I just had a cup of coffee with the 
nominee and told him I thought things were off to a very good start for 
his nomination. I'm not surprised; he's highly qualified for the job. 
He's the kind of person that will bring great dignity to the Court. 
Judge Roberts is off to the Senate this morning to begin his 
consultations. I'm confident the Senators will come to realize what I've 
come to realize: We're lucky to have a man of such wisdom and 
intellectual strength willing to serve our country.
    I'm also confident that the process will move forward in a 
dignified, civil way. In my conversations with Senators last night, we 
discussed how important it is that Judge Roberts get a fair hearing, a 
timely hearing, and a hearing that will bring great credit to our Nation 
and to the United States Senate. And so I told Judge Roberts over coffee 
that we'll provide all the support that's necessary for the Senators to 
be able to make up their minds, that we will push the process forward, 
because he and I both agree that it's important that he be sworn in 
prior to the Court reconvening in October, and that I wished him all the 
best.
    So I appreciate you coming by for coffee this morning.

Note: The President spoke at 7:30 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White 
House.