[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.