Washington, D.C. — Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a confirmation hearing on the nomination of Eric Miller to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, even though he is opposed by both senators from his home state of Washington. In response, Jake Faleschini, director of the Federal Courts Program at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
Chairman Grassley needs to stop rubber stamping this administration’s extreme judicial nominees. Taking committee action during the congressional recess just weeks before an election and over the objection of both home state senators further erodes the senate’s norms and makes a mockery of the important process of public oversight. Yet it’s no surprise that this process is advancing via a secretive and irregular process; Miller has dedicated his career to challenging tribal sovereignty with the aim of undercutting the rights of Native Americans and their sovereign tribes. His record raises major concerns about his ability to be fair and impartial while serving on a court that covers so many tribal lands. At the very least, his record must be addressed at a time when all senators can attend a hearing and properly question him. The Senate should reject his nomination and the Senate Judiciary Committee must return to regular order.
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202.478.6327.