Congressman Cummings Responds to President Bush's Nomination of White House Counsel Harriet Miers as Associate U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Washington, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, responded to President Bush's announcement that he has nominated White House Counsel Harriet Miers to become an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
"This morning, President Bush nominated White House Counsel Harriet Miers to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the United States Supreme Court.
"Supreme Court Justices serve for life. If confirmed, Ms. Miers will have enormous power to shape the future of our nation for at least a generation.
"The stakes for the American people are high. Supreme Court Justices dramatically influence the questions that are central to the lives of all Americans.
"The importance of this nomination raises serious questions that must be answered - questions that go far beyond Ms. Miers' personal qualities or her years as a loyal advocate for the President.
"These fundamental questions include Ms. Miers' judicial philosophy.
"In the years to come, the Supreme Court will be asked to rule upon the extent of both Executive and Congressional power under our Constitution. At stake in the Senate's decision about this nomination is the potential impact upon the free speech, religious liberty and privacy of every American, as well as the Court's impact upon fundamental economic issues, including workers' rights and the opportunities available to Americans struggling to overcome disabilities or centuries of exclusion.
"The American people deserve a thorough and fair debate about the potential impact of this nomination upon their lives and the lives of generations to come.
"In light of the importance of this nomination, I urge the White House to fully cooperate with the Senate as my colleagues perform their constitutional duty to advise and consent with respect to this nomination.
"When Justice O'Connor announced her retirement, President Bush said that he would nominate a successor of whom all Americans can be proud. If the nomination of White House Counsel Harriet Miers advances the freedom and opportunity of the American people, the President will have succeeded.
"That, however, remains the central question to be answered as the Senate makes a determination as to how this nomination will shape the direction of our nation's future."
http://www.house.gov/cummings/press/05oct03a.htm