ACLJ: Judge Southwick Deserves Up-or-Down Vote and Confirmation by Senate for Appeals Court Seat

(Washington, DC) With the Senate poised to consider the nomination of Judge Leslie H. Southwick for a seat on a federal appeals court, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is calling on the Senate to give Judge Southwick an up-or-down vote without any further delay.  Judge Southwick cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee in August, but a vote by the full Senate on his nomination for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has been on hold.

The Senate has a constitutional responsibility to give Judge Southwick an up-or-down vote, said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ.  At the end of the day, were confident the Senate will confirm Judge Southwick who has a distinguished legal and military career.  Judge Southwick who received the ABAs highest rating of well qualified has a judicial philosophy that will serve the 5th Circuit well.  Hes dedicated to upholding the constitution and the rule of law.  Senate leadership must stop playing politics and let this nomination come up for a vote by the full Senate.  An up-or-down vote is long overdue.  The Senate must put the nomination to a vote and confirm Judge Southwick so he can begin serving our country in this critical capacity.

Under the direction of Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice has been working to ensure that judicial nominees receive fair treatment during the confirmation process and are afforded up-or-down votes in the U.S. Senate.

The ACLJ specializes in constitutional law and through its global affiliates works to protect religious freedom and liberty in more than 36 countries worldwide.  The ACLJ is headquartered in Washington, D.C.