Pelosi Statement on Nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to U.S. Supreme Court

Pelosi Statement on Nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to U.S. Supreme Court

Monday, October 31, 2005

Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. â€" House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this morning in response to President Bush’s nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court:

â€Å"The nomination to succeed Justice O’Connor is extremely critical for the balance of the Supreme Court and for our Constitutional rights. The American people expect a nominee who shares Justice O’Connor’s commitment to our Constitution, our civil liberties and our individual rights, and a nominee who is in the mainstream of America.

â€Å"Last week after Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination, I asked the President: Who was in charge? Today, the President answered: the radical conservative right is in charge of his Administration. Instead of seeking to unify the country with a nominee who would command wide consensus, the President again chose to submit to the dictates of the radical right. The President’s nomination of Judge Alito reflects weakness â€" the President is unable or unwilling to withstand pressure by an extreme element in our country, rather than acting as a leader of all the people.

â€Å"The Supreme Court must not be used as a tool by extremists to fulfill an ideological agenda and to undermine our individual rights. Under our Constitution, the Senate has an independent role in deciding whether to confirm a nominee to the Supreme Court. That responsibility is especially compelling with this nominee, whose rulings on the right to privacy, including a woman's right to choose; civil rights; and basic labor protections are troubling and far removed from the mainstream. The Senate must have full, comprehensive hearings and carefully scrutinize Judge Alito’s record.

â€Å"I will work with Leader Reid and other Senators to ensure that the views of the House Democratic Caucus are known to the Senate during its review of the nomination.”