September 6th Judiciary Hearings for Roberts
The Judiciary Committee has set the hearing date for Judge Roberts for September 6th. Senator Arlen Specter announced today that the hearing would start on the 6th, which should allow confirmation by the first Monday in October when the Supreme Court of the United States is back in session.
Not surprising, Senator Patrick Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, has said that he will vote against Judge Roberts if he does not agree to support the Supreme Courts decision in Roe v. Wade. The idea that you have a litmus test for Supreme Court appointments is outrageous. What is even more outrageous is the fact that a judge who would question the wisdom of Roe v. Wade would somehow automatically be disqualified from serving on the highest court in the land. This, of course, comes on the heel of Senator Durbins comments, where he questioned John Roberts faith and how it would impact his decisions. As has been reported in the press, John Roberts is a Catholic who takes his faith seriously. Again, the Constitution specifically states that there is no religious test for serving in government positions, including as a Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States.
I am not surprised that these developments have taken place. Those opposed to Judge Roberts nomination will do everything they can to seek to hinder his confirmation. Our Office of Governmental Affairs is committed to ensuring John Roberts confirmation. Senator Specter, the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, has stated that he may start the hearings the last week of August. Our office is already preparing for these hearings. It is an imperative that Judge Roberts be seated when the Supreme Court reconvenes the first Monday in October.
For information about the background of Judge Roberts on our website, click here. For updates on Judge Roberts confirmation process, please check our In the News Section at www.aclj.org.