ACLJ Pleased Senate Confirms Priscilla Owen for Federal Appeals Court

May 25, 2005

(Washington, DC) The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), focusing on constitutional law, said today the Senate vote confirming the nomination of Priscilla Owen to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is something that should take place for all of President Bushs judicial nominees. The vote on the Senate floor was 55-to-43.

The floor vote that took place today for Priscilla Owen is something that should occur for all of President Bushs judicial nominees, said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ, which is active in the judicial confirmation battle.  While were pleased that the Senate voted to confirm Owen after her nomination has been on hold for more than four years, were disappointed that the Senate deal does not extend that same courtesy to all nominees.  We look forward to the Senate confirmation votes for Bill Pryor and Janice Rogers Brown.  The question remains:  will this political solution hold when President Bush puts forth a nominee to the Supreme Court?  While we hope the deal holds, we know that such cooperation is often short-lived and are preparing for a filibuster fight that could come when a vacancy occurs on the high court.

The American Center for Law and Justice is based in Washington, D.C.