President Bush called on the U.S. Senate today to fulfill its constitutional duty to give presidential nominees a prompt vote and ensure federal courts and agencies are sufficiently staffed.
There are more than 180 highly-qualified nominees — including 28 judicial nominees — awaiting a fair vote in the Senate. Of these, 30 have been waiting more than a year for a vote, and nine have been waiting more than two years.
"I have nominated skilled and faithful public servants to lead federal agencies and sit on the federal bench," Bush said at a White House briefing today. "The Constitution also gives senators an important responsibility. They must provide advice and consent by voting up or down on these nominees. Unfortunately, the Senate is not fulfilling its duty.
"The confirmation process has turned into a never-ending political game, where everyone loses. It is clear that the process is not working," he said. "That's no way to treat men and women who have stepped forward to serve our country, and it's got to stop."
The Senate Judiciary Committee has 28 pending nominations for federal judgeships before it. On Feb. 21, the committee will hold its first hearing for a circuit court nominee since September.
"The president may be serving his last year in office, but that's no excuse for Democrats to deny action on his judicial nominees," said Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "To match President Clinton's last two years in office, the Senate would have to confirm another nine court of appeals nominees this year, even though it appears Senator Leahy is bent on doing nothing of the sort. All he seems capable of is hurling criticism at the White House. That's simply absurd."
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Judicial analyst Bruce Hausknecht provides a primer on obstructing a nominee.
