Chairman Becerra: Senate Republicans, Do Not Shirk Your Constitutional Responsibility to Advise and Consent

Press Release

Following President Obama's announcement today of a nominee to the Supreme Court, Chairman Xavier Becerra (CA-34) released the following statement:

"I commend President Obama's choice in nominating Merrick Garland, the esteemed chief justice on the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Court, to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

"The President has done his job; it's time for Senate Republicans to do theirs. Most Americans know from high school civics that the Constitution vests the Senate with the responsibility to give a fair hearing and vote to presidential Supreme Court nominees.

"As the Constitution says, the President "shall have the power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate" to appoint justices to the Supreme Court. President Obama responded today, "I am fulfilling my constitutional duty. I'm doing my job."

"Senate Republicans, do not shirk your constitutional responsibility to advise and consent. You took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the American people through their taxes pay you to do your job. Since 1912, the Senate has confirmed six Supreme Court nominees during election years. This year should be no different.

"I urge Senate Republicans to give Merrick Garland, who commands tremendous respect as a jurist -- particularly for his work on national security -- a hearing and vote."

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