Bush Rebukes Senate For Delaying Judicial Nominations

Cincinnati, OH (AHN) - Speaking as the Supreme Court began a new term, President George W. Bush called on the Senate on Monday to refrain from "partisan gimmicks" and give a quick up-or-down vote on his judicial nominations.

Saying he has kept his campaign pledge eight years ago to appoint judges who do "not use the courts to invent laws or dictate social policy," Bush said, "Nominees should not have to wait years for the up or down vote that the Senate owes them. The American people expect the nomination process to be as free of partisanship as possible, and for senators to rive [sic] above tricks and gimmicks designed to thwart nominees."

The President said senators should prioritize the "long list of qualified judicial nominees" when they meet for a lame-duck session next month.

"If Democrats truly seek a more productive and cooperative relationship in Washington, then they have a perfect opportunity to prove it - by giving these nominees the up or down vote they deserve," he said.