    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 6 (Monday, February 18, 2008)]
    [Pages 177-178]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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.
        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've 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

    [[Page 178]]

    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.