    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 36 (Monday, September 12, 2005)]
    [Page 1354]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Announcing the Nomination of John G. Roberts, Jr., To Be Chief
    Justice of the United States Supreme Court

    September 5, 2005

        Morning. This summer I announced the nomination of Judge John
    Roberts to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United
    States. I chose Judge Roberts from among the most distinguished jurists
    and attorneys in the country because he possesses the intellect,
    experience, and temperament to be an outstanding member of our Nation's
    highest court.
        For the past 2 months, Members of the United States Senate and the
    American people have learned about the career and character of Judge
    Roberts. They like what they see. He's a gentleman. He's a man of
    integrity and fairness. And throughout his life, he has inspired the
    respect and loyalty of others. John Roberts has built a record of
    excellence and achievement, and a reputation for good will and decency
    toward others.
        In his extraordinary career, Judge Roberts has argued 39 cases
    before the Nation's highest court. When I nominated him to the U.S.
    Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, he was confirmed by
    unanimous consent. Both those who've worked with him and those who have
    faced him in the courtroom speak with admiration of his striking ability
    as a lawyer and his natural gifts as a leader. Judge Roberts has earned
    the Nation's confidence, and I'm pleased to announce that I will
    nominate him to serve as the 17th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
        The passing of Chief Justice William Rehnquist leaves the center
    chair empty just 4 weeks left before the Supreme Court reconvenes. It is
    in the interest of the Court and the country to have a Chief Justice on
    the bench on the first full day of the fall term. The Senate is well
    along in the process of considering Judge Roberts' qualifications. They
    know his record and his fidelity to the law. I'm confident that the
    Senate can complete hearings and confirm him as Chief Justice within a
    month. As a result of my decision to nominate Judge Roberts to be chief
    justice, I also have the responsibility to submit a new nominee to
    follow Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. I will do so in a timely manner.
        Twenty-five years ago, John Roberts came to Washington as a clerk to
    Justice William Rehnquist. In his boss, the young law clerk found a role
    model, a professional mentor, and a friend for life. I'm certain that
    Chief Justice Rehnquist was hoping to welcome John Roberts as a
    colleague, and we're all sorry that day didn't come. Yet it's fitting
    that a great Chief Justice be followed in office by a person who shared
    his deep reverence for the Constitution, his profound respect for the
    Supreme Court, and his complete devotion to the cause of justice.
        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 Chief Justice-Designate Roberts.