[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.