Harkin Statement on the Retirement of Justice Stevens

Statement

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) released the following statement today in reaction to Justice John Paul Steven's announcement that he will leave the Supreme Court this summer.

"Not only our legal system, but our entire nation, owes a debt of gratitude to Justice Stevens for his contributions to our country, from his service in WWII to his 34-year tenure on the nation's highest court. As one of our country's longest serving Justices, he has demonstrated an unabiding commitment to the rule of law and critical rights and liberties.

"This commitment was evidenced in the 2004 decision in Tennessee v. Lane, where Justice Stevens authored the majority opinion which upheld the core provisions of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"Particularly as the court has undermined important constitutional and statutory protections in recent years, Justice Stevens has been an important voice, too often in dissent, for the rights of ordinary Americans and the fundamental principle of equal justice under law.

"I wish Justice Stevens the best in his well-deserved retirement, and am confident that President Obama will appoint a worthy successor. I look forward to a fair and speedy confirmation process."

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