July 20, 2005

Rep. Pitts commends Bush choice for Court

Washington—“American courts need judges who faithfully interpret the laws made by elected bodies, not judges who make law,” was the message Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) had this morning in response to President Bush’s choice of Circuit Judge John G. Roberts for the U.S. Supreme Court.

“John Roberts is just such a judge,” said Congressman Pitts.  “Judges don’t make the law; they interpret laws made by elected officials and settle disputes that arise under it.  This is the bedrock of democratic government and Judge Roberts respects that.  While we don’t know where he stands on some specific issues, it’s clear that he has conservative leanings.  In other words, he has made clear he respects the Constitution, the intent of its authors, and the right of the people to decide matters for themselves through elected legislatures.  I hope the Senate will show him the same courtesy they offered to the last two Court nominees and confirm him quickly.”

President Bill Clinton nominated two Justices to the Supreme Court – Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Steven Breyer.  Both were viewed as very liberal.  Certainly, Republicans in Congress did not agree with these judges on a number of issues.  But that did not stand in the way of the nomination process. 

In fact, President Clinton’s nominees made it through the nomination process two weeks faster (58 days), on average, than other Supreme Court nominations made in the previous 20 years (72 days).

Supreme Court nominations under President Clinton

Modern Supreme Court nominations since 1975

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