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US President George W. Bush
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story:
THE PRESIDENT:
Good morning.
Under the Constitution, I have the responsibility to nominate a
successor to Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. This past week I
met with Democratic and Republican leaders in the United States Senate and
sought their views on the process, and their thoughts on the qualities to
look for in a potential nominee. Also, my staff has talked with more than
60 members of the United States Senate. Members of the Senate are
receiving a full opportunity to provide their opinions and
recommendations, and I appreciate their advice.
I will
be guided by clear principles as I make my decision. My nominee will be a
fair-minded individual who represents the mainstream of American law and
American values. The nominee will meet the highest standards of intellect,
character, and ability, and will pledge to faithfully interpret the
Constitution and laws of our country. Our nation deserves, and I will
select, a Supreme Court justice that Americans can be proud of.
The American people also expect a Senate confirmation process that
rises above partisanship. When I met with Senate leaders, we discussed our
shared goal of making sure that the confirmation process is dignified. The
nominee deserves fair treatment, a fair hearing, and a fair vote. I will
make my nomination in a timely manner so the nominee can be confirmed
before the start of the Court's new term in October.
The experiences of the two justices nominated by President Clinton
provide useful examples of fair treatment and a reasonable timetable for
Senate action. In 1993, the Senate voted on and confirmed Justice Ruth
Bader Ginsburg to the Supreme Court 42 days after President Clinton
submitted her nomination. And despite the significant philosophical
differences many senators had with Justice Ginsburg, she received 96 votes
in favor of confirmation.
The following year, Justice Stephen Breyer was confirmed 73 days after
his nomination was submitted, with 87 votes in his favor. Again,
Republican senators in large numbers voted for confirmation of Justice
Breyer despite significant philosophical differences. These examples show
that the thorough consideration of a nominee does not require months of
delay.
As we continue the process to fill the opening on the Supreme Court, we
are also moving forward on other important priorities for the American
people. This past week, we received more good news on the economy. The
2005 deficit is projected to be $94 billion less than previously expected.
I told the Congress and the country we would cut the deficit in half by
2009. This week's numbers show that we are ahead of pace, so long as
Congress acts wisely with taxpayer dollars.
This good news on the budget is coupled with other news that shows the
economy is strong and getting stronger. Our economy is growing faster than
any other major industrialized nation. The unemployment rate is down to 5
percent, lower than the average rate of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. We
have created more than 2 million jobs in the past 12 months. More
Americans are working today than ever before in our nation's history, and
home ownership in America is at an all-time high.
To keep our economy growing and creating jobs, Congress needs to
continue working in the upcoming weeks on our pro-growth economic agenda.
First, for the sake of our economic security and our national security,
the Congress must complete its work on a good energy bill that will reduce
our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Second, the House needs to follow the Senate's lead by approving the
Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. By lowering
trade barriers for our exports, this agreement will level the playing
field for America's goods, services and crops, and help create jobs for
American workers.
Third, Congress needs to send me a fiscally responsible highway bill
that modernizes roads and bridges, improves safety and opens up new job
opportunities.
Finally, Congress needs to move forward with Social Security reform.
For those of you who were born before 1950, Social Security will not
change. But the system has made promises to our younger workers that it
cannot pay for. And the cost of fixing the system grows higher with every
year we wait. So Congress needs to act now to strengthen Social Security
for our children and grandchildren.
The American people expect members of both parties to offer a positive
agenda and get things done for our country. By working together in the
weeks ahead, I am confident we will achieve positive results for all
Americans.
Thank you for listening. |