Washington, D.C. — Center for American Progress President and CEO Neera Tanden released the following statement after President Barack Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland to fill the vacant Supreme Court seat:
Today, President Obama nominated a well-qualified candidate to serve as the next Supreme Court justice and bring the Court back to full strength as it weighs key issues facing Americans. Merrick Garland has a strong history as chief judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit after being confirmed in 1997 by a bipartisan 76-23 vote, a more conventional confirmation process than promised by today’s obstruction.
Before ever hearing the name of the nominee, Senate Republicans promised to refuse to even meet with the nominee, hold a hearing, or take a vote, vowing to obstruct the process instead. This obstruction is unprecedented and is allowing the broken, partisan politics of Congress to infect the Supreme Court, further eroding trust in government. Senators should do their job to “advise and consent” and consider Judge Garland based on his qualifications, as we have always done throughout American history.
For questions or to speak to an expert, please contact Benton Strong at 202.481.8142 or [email protected].
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